Health experts at OneCare Group (OCG) say it is time to address the growing concerns surrounding the sexual health and emotional wellbeing of seafarers worldwide.

The unique nature of the profession, with long voyages and limited opportunities for intimacy, can lead to challenges such as sexual frustration and increased mental strain, including depression, risk-taking behaviours, and, in some cases, even aggression.

Highlighting the impact of this isolation, Charles Watkins, founder and Clinical Psychologist at MHSS, commented, “Unmet psychological and physiological needs can manifest as stress, irritability, and emotional withdrawal, turning a seafarer’s voyage into an internal battle against frustration and detachment.”

Mental health at sea is usually focused on fatigue and stress, but the emotional toll from long periods without intimacy is often overlooked or left unspoken, despite it playing a crucial role in overall wellbeing.

“There remains a stigma around discussing sexual frustration and emotional loneliness in the maritime industry. Seafarers may suppress these feelings due to fear of judgement, leading to further internalisation of stress and mental strain,” said Stella Kiss, Psychologist at MHSS. “Raising awareness and normalising conversations around this topic is essential for promoting a more open and supportive environment.”

While sexual frustration is a common issue, particularly for those with partners onshore, sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STIs and STDs) are also a concern. This is largely due to the lack of transparency and understanding surrounding the sharing of this information.

“Seafarers with chronic Hepatitis and HIV can work on a vessel if well-treated and stable but remain potentially contagious as long as the virus is detectable. Due to privacy laws, this information is usually not shared. Consequently, there are few, if any, regulations on instructing seafarers on behaviour or informing the captain in case of a medical accident involving an infected seafarer where others might be exposed,” said Dr Jens Tülsner, CEO and founder of Marine Medical Solutions (MMS).

Unlike the general public, seafarers may be more vulnerable to STDs due to factors like extended time away from home, limited healthcare access, lack of sexual health education, and possible interactions with multiple partners during port visits.

When questioned on ways to minimise the impact of sexual abstinence on mental health, Luca Hütter, Clinical Psychologist at MHSS, stated, “Open conversations with trusted peers can help normalise these challenges by creating a supportive environment where seafarers feel comfortable discussing their experiences without fear of judgement,” highlighting the need for more dialogue and openness surrounding these issues.

OneCare Group aims to reduce the stigma and promote sexual health awareness by providing tailored training to its seafarers. The programmes, both online and in-person, address key issues such as STIs, safe sex practices, and common misconceptions about sexual health.
Special attention is also given to gender- and sexuality-specific concerns, such as the unique and additional challenges faced by women and LGBTQ+ seafarers.

“Promoting sexual health requires a multifaceted approach that considers cultural sensitivities, fosters an environment of openness, and provides targeted support for LGBTQ2+ crew members,” said Dafni Katsampa, Psychologist at OneCare Group.