safety4sea-features-ptc-group-s-perspectives-on-seafarers-mental-health

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

In celebration of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the PTC Group's Dr. Jingle Marie M. Fajardo, RMT, MD, Medical Repatriation and Offsite Head at Health Metrics, Inc., and Capt. Pol Winston G. Haboc, Head of the Philippine Center for Advanced Maritime Simulation and Training, Inc. (PHILCAMSAT), contributed their insights to a special column for Safety4Sea. They addressed the crucial question of how to enhance mental health and well-being for seafarers in the workplace. Both experts emphasized the importance of proactive measures to foster a supportive environment for seafarers, who often face unique stressors in their profession.

Dr. Fajardo and Capt. Haboc suggested several initiatives aimed at improving mental health among maritime professionals. These include implementing regular mental health assessments, providing access to counseling services, and promoting open communication about mental health issues within crews. Their contributions highlight the growing recognition of mental health as a vital component of overall safety and operational efficiency in the maritime industry. The full article detailing their recommendations and insights can be found here.

“Encouraging fitness challenges and managing workplace stress through balanced workloads creates a more positive environment. By focusing on both mind and body, we create a healthier, uplifting workplace for our seafarers.”

Dr. Jingle Marie M. Fajardo, RMT, MD.
Medical Repatriation and Offsite Head Health Metrics, Inc.

“PHILCAMSAT recognizes the immense stress and fatigue seafarers face while at sea. In response, we introduced the BRIDGE program (Building Resiliency in Diverse Global Environments) in 2019, a proactive initiative designed to safeguard the mental health and well-being of our global maritime professionals (GMPs).”

Capt. Pol Winston G. Haboc
Head of the Philippine Center for Advanced
Maritime Simulation and Training, Inc. (PHILCAMSAT)