Maritime health and wellness platform OneCare Group is urging shipping companies to take proactive steps to support crew members during key moments in the year when feelings of loneliness may intensify.

As families are busy preparing celebrations over the Easter period it can be a stark reminder to seafarers what they are missing out on. OneCare Group urges companies to not miss signs of silent distress which can lead to mental health crisis among crew members.

The health and wellness platform which includes member companies WellAtSea, Marine Medical Solutions, Mental Health Support Solutions, and OneLearn Global, emphasises that while seafaring has always required resilience, companies must acknowledge the hardship that key celebrations in the calendar can bring.

As an industry, we must ensure that crew members are not only physically safe but emotionally supported. Proactive communication, accessible wellbeing services, and visible leadership empathy can make a measurable difference,” said Marinos Kokkinis, CEO of OneCare Group.

Research consistently shows that prolonged separation from loved ones can have tangible health consequences, says Dr Jens Tülsner, CEO of Marine Medical Solutions as he highlighted the broader impact of emotional strain on physical wellbeing.

Dr Tülsner said: “Extended absence from partners and families can significantly affect both mental and physical health. Chronic loneliness and emotional stress have been linked to sleep disturbances, weakened immune function, cardiovascular strain, and increased risk of anxiety and depression. For seafarers, who already operate in high-demand environments, these added pressures can compound fatigue and impact overall performance and safety.”

OneCare Group is encouraging shipping companies to implement practical measures all year round but particularly during holiday seasons, including enhanced onboard communications access, facilitated virtual family events, confidential counselling services, peer-support initiatives, and leadership check-ins to acknowledge the emotional weight.

Gisa Paredes, Managing Director at WellAtSea, underscored the importance of self-leadership as a foundation for overall wellbeing.
“Self-leadership is the foundation of life at sea. When crew members take responsibility for their mindset, energy, and behaviour, they strengthen not only their own wellbeing but the entire vessel’s culture. Onboard a ship, where challenges are constant and space is shared, the ability to lead yourself with discipline, empathy, and resilience is what transforms a crew into a cohesive, high-performing team. Self-leadership is crucial for seafarers to take control of their own journeys at sea, including their own health, career opportunities, mindset and attitude.”

Beyond services and resources, industry leaders must also recognise the symbolic weight of the holidays and key celebrations, says Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS). Charles Watkins, Clinical Director of Operations of MHSS, said: “Companies must acknowledge that key celebrations and holidays can be emotionally difficult for many crew members. Even a simple recognition from shore-based management that this period may be challenging can validate feelings and reduce stigma around speaking up. Emotional support is not separate from operational excellence, it underpins it. Crews who feel valued and understood are more engaged, resilient, and safe.”

OneCare Group recommends that operators treat such special occasions as an opportunity to reinforce long-term wellbeing commitments rather than as a one-off initiative. By fostering open dialogue, strengthening access to mental health support, and recognising the human realities of life at sea, companies can help mitigate isolation and reinforce a culture of care.