A new European mental health initiative is working to ensure quicker and more effective support for maritime professionals who experience traumatic incidents at sea.
SEA‑CARE was launched by five western European maritime welfare organisations at the World Maritime University (WMU), aimed at strengthening cooperation on mental health support across the sector.
Supported by European Union funding, SEA‑CARE is developing a specialised training programme for maritime crisis responders: when shipowners and crews face a 'high mental impact situation' onboard – such as a serious accident, fatality, or extreme distress – they will be able to rely on a shared European network of certified mental health professionals. Common standards and coordinated procedures aim to ensure faster access to expert support and reduce the risk of long‑term psychological harm among seafarers.
The initiative was formally launched towards the end of 2025. Deutsche Seemannsmission e.V.(DSM) serves as the project lead, with additional project partners the Antwerp Seafarers' Welfare (ASW), Stichting Pastoraat Werkers Overzee (SPWO), Nedelandse Zeevarenden Centrale (NZC), and WMU. Its first action at the beginning of 2026 was a survey of western European shipping companies and crews, mapping awareness and unmet needs. Stakeholders are meeting in Hamburg at the end of April 2026 to review the findings and move forward with training development and response protocols.
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