Toolbox to float answers on human cost of sea work

The shipping industry is a cornerstone of the economy, carrying out 90 per cent of world trade with an estimated annual income of over half a trillion USD.^{[Ref 1]} An estimated 1.9 million seafarers serve on merchant ships worldwide, with a large proportion of these workers contracted from countries such as the Philippines, Russia, Indonesia, China and India.^{[Ref 1]} Given the industry’s pivotal role in the world economy, it is imperative we factor in the people who drive it and the associated human cost of working at sea. 

In general, the maritime industry is notorious for its hazardous nature. A combination of physical, psychosocial and environmental hazards exposes the systemic vulnerability of the industry. Particularly, seafarers are exposed to a unique blend of risks, taking in long working hours, isolation, exposure to chemicals, precarious working conditions, violence, bullying and the effects of climate change.^{[Ref 2]} 

Health at sea

Seafarers experience a wide range of health challenges. These include mental health issues from isolation and stress, as well as behavioural and lifestyle-related concerns influenced by limited recreation and coping mechanisms. Cardiovascular and metabolic conditions are commonly linked to poor diet and physical inactivity among seafarers. Additionally, the hazardous working environment increases the risk of physical injury and medical emergencies. Also, exposure to diverse environments amplifies seafarer susceptibility to infectious diseases.^{[Ref 3]}

Health-related fatalities

More recently, the leading causes of death among seafarers were found to be occupational ill health and diseases.^{[Ref 4]} The nature of the job, prolonged working hours, chronic stress and limited access to medical care at sea exacerbated cardiovascular events and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.^{[Ref 4]} Notably, the lack of a robust system to monitor such fatalities arising from health-related issues and other causes among seafarers warrants urgent attention.^{[Ref 4]} It calls for concerted effort from various stakeholders, including shipping companies, regulators and professionals entrusted with oversight of seafarer health to efficiently tackle health at sea.

Understanding health through data

It has been a long-felt admission among stakeholders in the sector that sufficient focus on health and wellbeing would take years to embed.^{[Ref 5]} Recent published statistics ^{[Ref 4]} draw attention to the stark gaps in data availability when it comes to the health data of seafarers. Access to such data would strengthen the evidence pool and lead to the identification of patterns and emerging threats, as well as guide interventions. It would then foster global comparisons and the benchmarking of seafarer health. 

IOSH, which has a role to play, alongside other stakeholders, has funded a research project at Southampton Solent University to develop a toolbox for workers onboard UK port and UK-registered vessels. The toolbox will be designed to document and assess information when a potential work-related health issue arises.

Seafaring is a high-risk occupation with a high chance of going unnoticed. Despite the dangers, the health and wellbeing of these workers often gets overlooked. So, seafarers stay largely out of sight. But does that mean they should remain out of mind?

References 

1.  International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). Shipping and world trade: Global supply and demand for seafarers. Shipping Facts. 2022. Available from: https://www.ics-shipping.org/shipping-fact/shipping-and-world-trade-global-supply-and-demand-for-seafarers/
2. Lloyd's Register Foundation. World Risk Poll 2024 Focus On: Risk Perceptions and Experiences of Ocean Workers. Lloyd's Register Foundation; 2025. Available from: https://www.lrfoundation.org.uk/sites/default/files/2025-06/world-risk-poll-2024-focus-on-risk-perceptions-and-experiences-of-ocean-workers.pdf
3. Li X, Zhou Y, Yuen KF. A systematic review on seafarer health: Conditions, antecedents and interventions. Transport Policy. 2022 Jun 1; 122:11-25.
4. Stoevska V. New data reveals leading causes of seafarer deaths in 2023. [online]. International Labour Organisation: Geneva; 2025 Jun [Accessed 04 August 2025]. Available from: https://ilostat.ilo.org/blog/new-data-reveals-leading-causes-of-seafarer-deaths-in-2023/
5. IOSH. Global container ports roundtable. IOSH. 27 September 2017. Accessed 06 August 2025. https://iosh.com/media/f3cdg2db/iosh-research-global-container-ports-roundtable-london-summary.pdf