It is well known that the ongoing pandemic (and the consequent crew-change crisis) has enormously impacted the mental health and wellbeing of seafarers. 

Over the last 12 months, the BMA has assisted seafarers around the world and observed through countless industry experiences, discussions and webinars that the pandemic has affected seafarers differently some positively, but sometimes emotionally and physically.

The Bahamas Maritime Authority has announced a new survey, the Seafarer COVID-19 Welfare Survey, designed to capture and reflect seafarers mental health needs around the world during the coronavirus pandemic. 

This initiative, together with the University of Washington School of Public Health researchers, is a short, confidential online survey.

The survey aims to accurately collect information from front-line seafarers (who will remain anonymous), specifically focusing on mental health needs before and during the pandemic. 

Data collected will be analysed and used to understand challenges seafarers have experienced to develop effective solutions raising awareness and guiding international efforts to improve Seafarer livelihoods.

The electronic survey itself is simple to complete and will take about 10 minutes. All results will be kept confidential by the University of Washington and respondents need not answer any question they may find uncomfortable. 

In addition to ICS (whom we received this information from), the BMA has approached several key industry bodies to maximise the uptake and to support and raise awareness of the initiative, giving seafarers the chance to participate and contribute towards this endeavour.  

Members are encouraged to disseminate the survey to their seafarers and manning agents so that seafarers can complete the survey, regardless of whether vessels are Bahamian flagged.