Seafarer employers urged to take part in e-learning survey to aid maritime wellbeing

Maritime employers are being urged to take part in a short survey that will help shape future wellbeing support and e-learning resources for seafarers to support mental and physical health and fatigue management. 

The survey has been launched by The Stationery Office (TSO), the official publisher for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). TSO publishes a range of resources that support safety and compliance across the maritime sector, including the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP), the Ship Captain’s Medical Guide, and its Wellbeing at Sea guidance for organisations and seafarers. 

The survey follows earlier research into the potential for e-learning linked to COSWP and seafarer welfare. That research found strong interest in training and guidance covering mental health and wellbeing, physical health, and fatigue management. 

TSO is now seeking feedback from organisations that employ seafarers, as well as others across the maritime sector, to help ensure future learning materials meet the needs of today's workforce. 

In a statement, TSO said: 'We are now looking to build on this insight and would greatly value further input from those working at sea and across the maritime sector. Your support will help ensure that future e-learning resources are relevant and genuinely beneficial to seafarers.'

Employers are asked whether e-learning courses training developed by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency would give them 'greater confidence in the quality of training'; whether they would pay for MCA-created content; and how much they would be willing to spend. 

Employers can take part in the survey here.

The survey is being amplified by maritime charities including the Union's Nautilus Welfare Fund.