Data from the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) helpline catalogue a sharp rise in mental-health-related calls from seafarers, highlighting a deeper welfare pressure in the maritime industry.
According to the charity’s analysis, contacts related to mental-health difficulties comprised 15.5 % of calls in the first half of 2025, up from 7 % in the same period in 2024 and just 5 % in 2023.
Workplace stress was cited as the most common issue, accounting for 32 % of mental-health-related contacts, followed by worry (27 %) and low mood (23 %).
Other reported factors include interpersonal isolation, bullying, harsh leadership cultures, crew mix and exclusion, and anxiety about home and family life. ISWAN also noted that 9 % of seafarers contacting the helpline for mental-health issues reported suicidal thoughts.
ISWAN emphasized that although improved awareness may be a factor in increased reporting, the data “demonstrate that seafaring life … poses inherent mental-health challenges.” The organisation called for the maritime industry to strengthen preventive measures, shore-leave access, onboard culture and support systems for crew welfare
