Ensuring the crew’s welfare during the colder months is vital for maintaining a safe and productive work environment at sea for the maritime industry. The harsh winter conditions can bring numerous challenges, affecting physical and mental well-being.

As a port agent that helps crew welfare support, we have some of the best practices for being on board a vessel for crew welfare during the winter season.

Appropriate Cold-Weather Clothing

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of seafarers, it is crucial to equip them with adequate cold-weather gear, which should be regarded as essential personal protective equipment (PPE). Proper clothing not only safeguards against elements but also helps, in turn, maintain efficiency and crew morale during more challenging conditions.

Each crew member should be provided with:

  • Multiple sets of warm, waterproof work clothes
  • Thermal undergarments
  • Insulated boots
  • Gloves
  • Warm headwear

By prioritising the provision of high-quality cold-weather clothing, crew members will be better prepared to face the challenges of working in harsh weather conditions.

Effective Communication

Establishing regular check-ins with crew members is essential for a supportive work environment. These check-ins provide opportunities to assess each member’s wellbeing, helping you understand their experiences and challenges. It is also essential to make this a safe space where crew members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns.

Regular check-ins also ensure that you can address any issues promptly to prevent them from escalating. This communication can significantly boost trust and relationships within the crew.

Prioritise Mental Health

Mental health must be prioritised, especially in these challenging environments. You should encourage the crew to maintain connections with their loved ones back home to give them some support. Some crew members can be away for 6-8 months at a time, so give them time to call home or message family and friends so they can stay engaged with them.

As much as speaking to those back home regularly is essential, it’s also crucial to create a supportive environment on board the vessel where crew members feel comfortable discussing their feelings and experiences. You could organise group activities or discussions focusing on mental wellbeing, helping the crew communicate openly.

Ensure Proper Rest

This industry is challenging, and work can be full-on, but that’s why monitoring work and rest is critical for the crew’s wellbeing. Adequate rest is essential for maintaining good mental and physical health, especially given the working conditions.

Long hours of work without proper breaks can lead to fatigue in crew members, which can lead to a loss of focus and bad decision-making, all of which can compromise the safety and performance of everyone on board the vessel. It’s key to help individuals reduce burnout while they are away, and you can do this by understanding the importance of taking breaks and resting at night.

Cold Weather Safety Training

Providing comprehensive training on cold weather safety is crucial for all crew members. This training should cover the various risks associated with working in cold environments, including the potential for cold-related illnesses and injuries and the challenges of hazardous weather conditions. Training should cover emergency response procedures for crew members who may show signs of hypothermia or frostbite.

Safe Working Conditions

To maintain a safe working environment, it is essential to keep all walkways and work areas free of ice and snow. This will help prevent slips or falls, which can lead to injuries and further means you are down one individual for the work and operations. Throughout the winter months, regularly inspect these areas as a safety risk.

It’s also important to have adequate lighting, especially during the shorter daylight hours of winter. The lighting will help with visibility and ultimately give the crew the ability to move safely on the vessel. You could consider using motion-sensing lights to ensure that all areas are well-lit when someone is in the vicinity. By doing this, you are preventing the likelihood of any accidents during the winter season.

How DAN Shipping Supports Crew Welfare as Port Agents

At DAN Shipping and Chartering, we recognise that crew welfare is important to the overall success of any operation. As port agents, our main goal is to improve crew welfare, especially during the colder months when conditions can be particularly challenging. We help implement practices, so crew members can be healthier and happier.

In severe weather conditions, our dedicated team is ready to respond with timely actions that prioritise the crew’s safety and wellbeing. Our role includes liaising with local authorities to ensure that any necessary assistance is coordinated quickly and efficiently. This is vital for ensuring that the crew receives the support they need in emergencies. However, should there be a need for emergency services, we are equipped to coordinate their response, whether it’s securing medical attention or arranging an evacuation. We are proactive and responsive to all vessels, helping significantly to improve welfare during the winter months at sea.

We also help during crew port stays. We understand the importance of rest for crew members after such long journeys. If accommodations are required, we are committed to finding comfortable and suitable options that ensure crew members can recuperate and recharge. We also help organise transportation to and from the port, helping crew members access necessities during their time ashore. By doing so, we are helping to create a balanced and enjoyable experience for them while they are away from the vessel.

As part of John Good Group’s Maritime Division, we are committed to focusing on these essential services to improve the lives of those who work at sea.