In the global shipping landscape, the psychophysical well-being of seafarers, often subjected to prolonged isolation, long shifts, and limited connectivity, is emerging as a priority.
According to the latest survey of the Seafarers Happiness Index, there is significant room for improvement for the psychophysical health of seafarers on board, but the data is general and of a global scope. To address this issue, the Accademia Italiana della Marina Mercantile, the leading Its Foundation in Italy in the field of sustainable mobility, presented the results of the project “La mia esperienza a bordo” (My Experience On Board), an anonymous survey administered to its students. The initiative was selected for the Special out-of-category Award “Menzione per l’eccellenza in innovazione sostenibile” (Mention for Excellence in Sustainable Innovation) as part of the fourth edition of the “Genova Global Goals Award”, promoted by the Comune di Genova to raise awareness about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.
The survey involved about 70 students who had completed at least one boarding during their training path, including future Deck and Engine Officers, as well as students from the Multimedia Technician, Commissario di Bordo (/Hotel Manager) and /Panettiere (Baker) courses. The survey, while not claiming to be an in-depth scientific study, provided a snapshot of mental health and living conditions on board, intended to guide developments and actions both inside and outside the institute.
Among the survey results: over 80% of respondents stated they felt comfortable and rated their boarding experience positively in line with expectations. However, 79.5% also stated they had felt under pressure or stress. The social component was very positive: 85% of participants felt fully integrated into the crew, and a full 86.7% believe they received adequate support from superiors and officers. The critical point regarding common spaces concerned infrastructure: only 51.5% consider the common spaces on board adequate for life at sea.
The survey provided an opportunity to highlight some priority requests from the students, who were boarded on passenger and cargo ships: the need for a third-party body or a psychological support structure that was always available, a more stable internet connection during boardings, and the possibility of accessing dedicated visits to better prepare for the on-board experience. Overall, explains the Aimm, there are also very motivated responses, 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 results of this survey encourage us to do even better, together with the companies and public institutions we belong to.” commented Paola Vidotto, general director of the Aimm, adding that the results were a stimulus and that the project allowed the existing attention towards the students to be raised to a new level, also thanks to the great professionalism of the teaching staff and the internal Tutors.
The Academy intends to work with all industry stakeholders to promote a healthy, transparent, and truly sustainable work environment, in order to ensure real margins for recruiting new forces for the future of the maritime sector.
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