Gard P&I Club has published its latest Crew Claims Report, which highlights an increase in crew deaths and points to ongoing concerns about mental health and safety in the maritime industry.
In summary, the report analyses around 3,000 crew-related insurance claims and includes insights from a wellbeing survey of over 6,000 seafarers from 46 countries. The report highlights key trends in crew health and safety, comparing recent data with pre-COVID years.
Key Findings:
- Seafarer Fatalities:
There has been a 25% increase in crew death claims post-COVID compared to pre-COVID years.- Illness is the main cause of death, responsible for 83% of fatalities.
- Stress-related illnesses are common—8 of the 10 most frequent illnesses may be stress-induced.
- Suicide rates are alarmingly high, surpassing fatal accidents.
- Mental Health Focus:
The report stresses the need for better mental health support at sea, with emphasis on factors like rest, social support, and company responsibility. - Operational Safety:
Crew wellbeing is directly linked to safety at sea. Many incidents could be prevented through improved health and working conditions. - Prevention Tools:
Gard promotes the Mariners Medico Guide, a free app offering mental and physical health guidance tailored for seafarers.
Leadership Comments:
Gard leadership calls for industry-wide action to prioritise seafarer wellbeing, emphasising that healthier crews mean safer operations and more resilient global trade.
For more details and the full report, visit:
