Mental energy paradigm for seafarers' wellbeing: A fuzzy Bayesian network model

Abstract

The global maritime industry, which is responsible for over 80 % of world trade, is facing a critical challenge in the form of a decline in seafarers' mental health. The decline in the mental health of seafarers is driven by psychosocial stressors, such as feelings of isolation, fatigue, and substandard living conditions. This issue persists despite the introduction of frameworks such as the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006. A novel Fuzzy Bayesian Network (FBN) methodology, the first approach to assess seafarers' mental energy, fills a critical gap. The FBN model has identified that the predominant contributors of mental energy depletion were alcohol consumption (19.7 %), smoking (15.0 %), inadequate nutrition standards (14.8 %), a lack of recreational facilities (12.9 %), and physical unfitness (11.4 %), based on the contributions of multidisciplinary experts. The policy recommendations include the integration of mental energy management into training, the mandatory implementation of onboard wellness programs, the adoption of ergonomic ship designs, the revision of safe manning practices, and the enforcement of rest-hour compliance on high-traffic routes. According to the model, managerial interventions have the potential to enhance mental energy by a minimum of 59.4 %. This approach supports seafarer resilience, safeguarding individual well-being and global maritime operations, and pioneering mental health research for seafarers.