We assembled a team of experts from across the maritime industry to discuss one of the most pressing challenges the shipping sector faces in the continuing Covid-19 crisis – the welfare and mental health of seafarers.
During a one-hour live webinar on 21 September 2020 panellists from North P&I, Thome Group, Future Care and Navigate Response discussed the mental health challenges faced today by those serving at sea.
The webinar covered:
- Identifying and anticipating mental health issues
- Support systems available to seafarers
- How companies are supporting their people and what more can be done
- Isolation, connections with loved ones and the role of internet at sea
- How social media can both contribute to and harm mental health and how it should be managed
Download the presenters’ slides here: Slides
View a recording of the webinar below.
More about our panelists:
Dr Arthur Diskin – Global Medical Director, Future Care
Dr Diskin was VP and Global Chief Medical Officer for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines from 2008-16. In this role, he was responsible for the clinical management of crew medical care on ships and in their home countries, developing worldwide networks for the delivery of medical care, management of the Care Team, the Crew Wellness program, and all Public Health related issues. Future Care provides global telemedical services to seafarers while onboard ship and provides shoreside medical management including repatriation and follow-up treatment.
Belinda Ward – Director, Claims, North P&I Club
Belinda heads up the Personal Injury team at North P&I Club and sits on various sub-committees for the International Group of P&I Clubs. Belinda has been focusing on the importance of mental health and wellbeing at sea for a number of years. In 2018, she launched North’s Mind Matters campaign, providing North’s Members with the materials, resources and a dedicated helpline to help maintain their emotional wellbeing.
Simon Frank – Chief Human Resources Officer, Thome Group
Simon Frank joined the Thome Group in March 2020 and is in charge of the newly combined Human Resource Department and Strategic HR Marine Department. Simon has more than 20 years experience in crewing operations. Previously he was Managing Director, Crewing Operations East, for the V Group and has extensive experience dealing with ship managers and ship owners.
Dustin Eno – COO & Crisis Response Manager, Navigate Response
Dustin manages the media response for serious shipping incidents and coordinates the operations of Navigate’s global network. He started his career in North America working as a Public Information Officer in the Incident Command System before moving to the UK to study social psychology, communications and ‘big data’ at the London School of Economics. Based in Navigate’s London office, Dustin is an advocate for better communications both between companies and their employees and between the shipping industry and our ultimate stakeholders – the public.
