In November 29019 the Seafarers International Research Centre in Cardiff published a report "Seafarers’ mental health and wellbeing".
The literature was inconclusive in establishing the extent of the problem of mental ill-health (and suicide) among seafarers relative to comparable populations. However, there was evidence of an increase in recent-onset anxiety and depression among serving seafarers and there was evidence that in some roles seafarers may be particularly prone to emotional exhaustion and ‘burn-out’.

This is particularly of concern during the COVID restrictions preventing seafarers from being relieved on time and the report provides some useful feedback to companies and employers in ways of improving seafarer life oboard.