Indian seafarers are in danger of walking away from their careers at sea after their first contracts end, with MHSS reporting nearly 80% struggle with issues of isolation and loneliness.

Indian seafarers are more vulnerable to these mental health struggles as the culture places a strong emphasis on traditional family bonds and communal living, says MHSS, part of OneCare Group.

The company that provides seafarers with 24/7 access to clinical psychologists, says 60-80% of the calls they receive from Indian seafarers are to do with issues of isolation, often caused by cultural differences.

Head of operations at MHSS India, Julia Oppermann said: “We’re just not seeing the same push behind seafarers that we used to. I think the first contract counts for a lot. We have seen instances where there has only been one or two Indian seafarers onboard. When they are isolated like that it can really lead to an impact on their mental health and them even leaving the profession before their career has properly started.”

MHSS has received calls from Indian seafarers reporting isolation and loneliness struggles after being the only Indian seafarers among the crew. In some cases this has led to new seafarers walking away from their career due to feeling isolated on their first contract.

Clinical Psychologist at MHSS Charles Watkins said: “Shipowners and managers need to consider cultural differences when planning life onboard. When a seafarer is going on their first contract it is important to consider the other nationalities they will be onboard with. Family is such a strong tradition in India, they can often really struggle from losing that close bond when they are onboard. Sadly this is leading to some seafarers walking away from their careers.”

It is also important for consideration to be paid to the diverse range of cuisines that are available onboard as this only adds to feelings of isolation when Indian seafarers are not provided with meals from their home country, Dr Watkins added. Food plays a big role in the Indian culture so providing them with traditional meals is crucial for their welfare.

International maritime catering management company MCTC, echoed this call for more cultural awareness at sea and a deeper understanding of the important role food plays within a diverse crew.

“At MCTC, we believe in supporting every seafarer as an individual,” said Christian Ioannou, CEO of MCTC. “Our menus reflect all cultures and ethnicities onboard. If there are voyages with very few Indian seafarers onboard we ensure Indian cuisine is featured regularly. It’s not about numbers, it is about creating a sense of home and that can be reflected through mealtimes with their own cultural dishes on offer.”

“We serve clients with mixed nationalities, particularly among Indian and Filipino crews, which highlights the need to foster mutual understanding of each other’s food cultures”, Mr Ioannou added. “To support this, we have our Filipino and Indian Culinary Training Consultants rotate between our training centres in Manila and Mumbai. This exchange helps ensure that cooks from both cultures are better equipped to meet the culinary expectations of diverse crews.””

MHSS helps seafarers understand what they are experiencing and offers emotional and psychological support when needed. It can also connect Indian crews with Indian psychologists who are familiar with the family traditions and can offer coping strategies to help deal with isolation and loneliness.