Maritime jobs rank among the most stressful and hazardous in the world, putting seafarers at high risk for burnout. Understanding the true cause of burnout is essential to solving it, which we’ll explore shortly.

Right now, addressing burnout is critical for the maritime industry. Stress-related mental health issues have become a leading cause of long-term sick leave across Europe and beyond. This crisis drives up costs, reduces productivity and worsens the shortage of qualified maritime workers, and the industry’s future depends on tackling this effectively.

Mental health remains an issue at sea

Last month, we analyzed a year’s worth of emergency response data and found a sharp increase in psychological assessments among crew members. While the rising demand for mental health support suggests a growing willingness to seek help, it doesn’t clarify whether workplace conditions are fueling mental health challenges or if crew members are arriving with pre-existing, untreated issues.

In 2024, the number of crew members deemed unfit for duty surged, and mental health-related medical escorts doubled from the previous year. This suggests that many struggling seafarers may have lacked the resilience or temperament for maritime life from the outset—an issue that could be addressed with more rigorous pre-employment psychological assessments.

Tracking causes of long-term leave

Mental health struggles aren’t unique to seafarers. A 2023 study by the UK’s Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that mental health was responsible for 63% of long-term work absences, surpassing musculoskeletal injuries and acute medical conditions.

However, maritime work presents unique risks. A report from Nordic marine insurer Gard analyzed over 20,000 people-related claims from 2019 to 2023 and ranked mental health disorders among the top ten causes of long-term sick leave in the industry.

“The number of mental health-related cases unfortunately grew significantly during the pandemic,” the report states, “probably as a direct consequence of the mental strain and prolonged isolation many seafarers experienced at the time.”

It also highlighted the strong link between physical and mental health. A BMC Psychology review of 63 scientific studies identified key risks to seafarer mental health, including poor physical health, constant noise exposure, feelings of insecurity, high job demands, long hours, irregular shifts and extended periods at sea.

While the review suggests solutions such as better sleep, noise reduction and improved safety measures, these strategies don’t fully address the root cause of burnout.

The real issue: Lack of control

Contrary to popular belief, burnout isn’t just about heavy workloads. It actually stems from a combination of high demands and low control.

Lack of control can take many forms, from unclear role expectations and shifting regulations to disempowering workplace cultures. When workers feel they have no say in their jobs, frustration builds. If workload is the tinder and lack of control is the match, resentment and stress are the accelerants that lead to burnout.

Reducing burnout is a team effort

Lowering workloads seems like the logical fix, but it’s not that simple. Without a sense of control, even reduced responsibilities won’t prevent burnout. Employers must provide clear expectations, structured routines and opportunities for self-determination.

However, seafarers themselves must be part of the solution by avoiding behaviours, such as perfectionism, that contribute to burnout. Perfectionists are prone to burnout regardless of workload because they perceive everything as high-stakes. The antidote is adopting a “good enough” mindset. While it may seem counterintuitive, striving for “good enough” instead of perfection reduces stress and creates forward momentum.

Another key factor is rest. People can handle intense workloads if they get proper recovery. Without sufficient rest, prolonged stress leads to exhaustion and ultimately burnout.

Steps to prevent burnout

Seafarers can take practical steps to protect their mental health, but employers must support them. Here’s a simple guide for maritime workers:

• Set work boundaries: Stick to your hours, say no when necessary and avoid taking on tasks beyond your role.
• Prioritize rest and recovery: Take 1-5 minute “micro-breaks” every hour or two. Sleep in a quiet environment at consistent times, and limit screen use before bed.
• Build social connections: Befriend your shipmates. Talking through concerns helps externalize stress and prevent mental overload.
• Stay active and eat well: Even simple activities like walking or yoga can improve resilience and reduce stress.

Addressing burnout in the maritime industry requires collaboration between employers and seafarers. By improving workplace conditions, fostering a sense of control and prioritizing recovery, the industry can safeguard both its workforce and its future.

Here at VIKAND, our global team helps maritime operators develop and implement strategies to proactively manage challenges to mental and physical health. Reach out to us today to discuss a tailored solution for your fleet’s needs.