ITF Surveys Mental Health Needs of Cruise Ship Workers

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is conducting a study aimed at identifying the mental health support needs of seafarers working aboard cruise ships.

Representing 670 unions and 18 million transport workers, the ITF has launched an online survey for crew members to share their experiences. The survey seeks feedback on their roles onboard and their perspectives on mental health challenges.

In addition, the ITF is gathering insights on the availability of current psychological support services and assessing the potential benefits of establishing a dedicated seafarers’ psychological telephone counseling service.

The survey also seeks input on whether such a service would be more effective if managed by ITF or another trade union.

All responses will remain anonymous and confidential, the organization assured.

According to the ITF, over 200,000 individuals are currently employed on cruise ships worldwide. The organization recognizes the high-pressure environment these workers operate in and the unique challenges they face.

“On many cruise ships, the crew totals over 1,000 people, and there are generally three or even four passengers to every crew member. It’s a lot of bodies – from many different backgrounds – in a relatively small space,” the ITF explained.

Contract lengths are another concern, with most employees spending months at sea with only limited shore time when their vessels dock in port.

Additional stress factors include shared accommodations with colleagues and the expectation to maintain demanding work schedules for extended hours, the ITF noted.

The organization and its affiliated unions have negotiated agreements with cruise ship employers to establish industry-wide standards for working conditions onboard.

“The cruise industry is certainly growing,” the ITF stated on its website, referencing the trend of larger vessels entering service.

“We believe this expansion means that employers should be emphasizing skills training and professionalism. That would benefit all – crew, passengers, and companies,” the ITF concluded.