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AMITABH KUMAR,I.RS. qqi nqeq rofttrrroq
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Dear Maritime Fraternity

Seafarers are often reported to be engaged in a dangerous physical and

psychosocial work environment. However, mental health status and its
awareness among seafarers has not been focused on compared with physical
health issues. Systematic, comprehensive reviews of mental health problems
and their relevant factors are lacking. There have been a number of recent
additions to the small body of research on seafarers' mental well being which
have sought to examine the prevalence of mental health issues among seafarers,
review the support that exists and offer recommendations on how to protect the
mental health of seafarers. However, there are still large gaps in knowledge.
Mental health awareness is a field that needs desperate attention in the field of
Maritime. It has received attention last few years, but a rigorous engagement in
this matter is the need of the hour. While there are many research studies at
International level on the subject, very few researches have been conducted in
India to provide statistically valid and reliable data on mental health in the
Indian Context. The IMO has also reiterated time and again that mental health
of seafarers should receive greater attention.
Researchers Dr.Deepti Mankad-Director- MINDSPEAK and associate
Dr.Radhika Vakharia intend to take the work on mental health awareness ahead
and will be conducting the largest research in India on mental health in
maritime. The findings of research will help to assess a number of concerns and
provide recommendations to stakeholders to address. The survey will be
conducted online and names will be kept strictly confidential.

Awareness about mental health amongst the seafarers, shore staff, trainees and
other stakeholders is important before taking any policy decision on this
subject at national or international level. It is important therefore, that studies
like this is conducted with large data size.
I recommend all companies, training institutions (sailing staff, shore staff and
trainee cadets) to encourage their seafarers, staff and trainees to take part in the
survey earnestly and in large numbers.

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(Amitabh Kumar )

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/Fax.: +91-22 2575 2011 . ftfi
Emalh amltabh.kuma63@nic.in