Smooth Sailing To Mental Wellbeing
Due to the limited understanding and access to focused care onboard, mental health issues are often left unattended or ignored. This can have severe consequences for the individual’s ability to cope with the problem, leading to lapses in work performance and causing safety concerns. Mental illness among seafarers has been a growing concern. It may be associated with other physical health conditions, i.e., chronic illnesses, cardiovascular disease, migraine headaches, back problems and even grave eventualities such as suicide.
The Role of Psychometric Assessment
Psychometric tests are a standard and scientific method to measure an individual’s mental capabilities and behavioural style. Psychometric tests are designed to measure candidates’ suitability for a role based on the required personality characteristics and aptitude (or cognitive abilities). They identify the extent to which candidates’ personality and cognitive abilities match those required to perform the role. Today, these assessments are also widely used for screening for mental fitness, treatments and pre-screening to identify any underlying disorders or concerns. 28% of Respondents representing the Maritime Industry reported that we are still in Denial of mental health issues. This was followed by 24% who believed we were bargaining on the subject.
15000+
Psychometric Assessments Conducted
95%
No Underlying
Concerns
4%
Require Basic Coping Mechanism
1%
Active
Disorder
The Clinical screening statistics indicate that close to 41% of seafarers have a presence of Anxiety. However, 4% - 5% had scores indicating persistence of the syndrome, which, with guidance, can be coped with.