The results come from a survey by the Accademia Italiana della Marina Mercantile on a sample of 70 among students, Deck Officers and Engine Officers
At the heart of the vast global shipping ecosystem, a theme too often left in the background is emerging with increasing urgency: the mental health of seafarers. For thousands of men and women who sail the seas, the ship is more than a workplace. According to the latest survey from the Seafarers Happiness Index, there is much room for improvement for the psycho-physical health of seafarers on board, but the data is general and of a global scope. The Accademia Italiana della Marina Mercantile, the leading ITS Foundation in Italy for the number of Students in the field of sustainable mobility, therefore wanted to take the opportunity of the fourth edition of the “Genova Global Goals Award” project, promoted by the Municipality of Genoa, to administer an anonymous survey to various classes of Students who had completed at least one boarding during their training path. The survey gathered about 70 responses from Student Deck Officers, Student Engine Officers, but also students from the ITS Multimedia Technician, Commissario di Bordo, and Panettiere di Bordo courses. The questionnaire, which does not aspire to be an in-depth scientific research, but aims to have a snapshot of the mental health of the male and female students who have undertaken a free training course promoted by the Academy, recorded very interesting numbers and data, which will in turn be the starting point for developments and actions internal and external to the institute. The project, entitled “La mia esperienza a bordo” (My experience on board), was selected by the jury to receive the Special out-of-category Award “Menzione per l’eccellenza in innovazione sostenibile” (Mention for excellence in sustainable innovation).
Among the survey results, over 80% of respondents stated that they felt at ease during the period on board (on a scale from 1 to 10, 80% of the responses included scores from 7 to 10), a percentage similar to those who gave a positive rating to the question about how much the boarding experience met their expectations. While 79.5% stated they felt under pressure or under stress (total share of votes between 7 and 10), 85% of participants stated they felt integrated into the crew. Only 51.5% consider the common spaces on board adequate for life at sea, but a share of 86.7% believe they received adequate support from superiors and officers. Among the proposals received following the survey, which included personnel on passenger and cargo ships, are the possibility of having a third-party body or a psychological support structure always available, the request for a more stable internet connection during boardings, and the possibility of better preparing for boarding through dedicated visits. Overall, very motivated responses were also recorded, which on one hand underline the commitment required on board, and on the other hand also tell of a strong identity component and sense of belonging to the maritime world.
The “Genova Global Goals Award” project was created with the aim of raising awareness and involving local entities on crucial themes such as climate change, the protection of biodiversity, and the enhancement of common goods, concretely contributing to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.
“The results of this survey encourage us to do even better, together with the companies and public institutions to which we belong,” stated Paola Vidotto, Director General of the Accademia Italiana della Marina Mercantile. “The impetus provided by this project has allowed us to bring the attention we already have for our Cadets to a new level, also thanks to the great professionalism of the teaching body and the internal Tutors within our structure, who already provide a listening desk. We can and want to work in agreement with all the sector’s stakeholders to promote a healthy, transparent, and truly sustainable work environment, so that it can have real margins for recruiting new forces also for the future”.
