Understanding around mental health in shipping has improved, but more work is required to build on awareness and advocacy to deliver actions that address the specific challenges of a life at sea. 

There is a growing awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing in society and within the maritime industry, but the challenges of isolation and pressures of seafaring present specific challenges.

In this Maritime Masterclass episode of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast, Ivy League clinically trained and licenced Trauma Psychotherapist and former seafarer Pam Kern shares her views on what the industry is getting right, and what more can be done to improve the lives of those working onboard ships.

Listen to the episode to hear Pam’s own experience at sea, her career path since coming ashore, what she has learned as an educator and advocate in the mental health space. Kern speaks about the barriers to seeking care and her priority actions for improving mental health at sea.