Psychosocial and Organisational Aspects of Work at Sea and Their Implications for Health and Performance

Authors

Joanne McVeigh, Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; Assisting Living & Learning (ALL) Institute, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
Malcolm MacLachlan, Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; Assisting Living & Learning (ALL) Institute, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; Health Service Executive, Ireland; Olomouc University Social Health Institute (OUSHI), Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
Sam Cromie, Centre for Innovative Human Systems (CIHS), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Paul Liston, Centre for Innovative Human Systems (CIHS), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Bill Kavanagh, National Maritime College of Ireland, Co. Cork, IrelandFollow
Alison Kay, Centre for Innovative Human Systems (CIHS), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

Document Type

Book Part

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Publication Details

Chapter F.4. Psychosocial and organisational aspects of work at sea and their implications for health and performance, published in the Textbook of Maritime Health, published by Norwegian Centre for Maritime and Driving Medicine on January 9th 2022.

Abstract

A ship is a ‘hole’ in the water that we put people into. It contains the complex work dynamics of any group of people working on a common task. A ship is also a ‘whole’ in the water. It envelops the seafarer’s existence, not just occupationally, but socially and personally. Living in a series of confined small spaces and moving through huge spaces, the seafarer’s environment is unique and challenging. However, working in the maritime sector is, in some ways, the same as working in any other sector – you have good days and bad days, some who cope well with the job and others who don’t, colleagues and bosses who are easy to work with and those who aren’t. Nonetheless, there are also distinctive features of the sector such as isolation from family and friends for long periods, irregular working hours, and the distinctive working culture of seafarers. This chapter considers how the psychosocial and organisational environment of a ship is related to the health and performance of its crew and seeks to make readers aware of some key features of this relationship, rather than to provide a comprehensive account of the work in this area. To begin, a case study is described, which illustrates some of the factors to consider.

Recommended Citation

Joanne McVeigh, Malcolm MacLachlan, Sam Cromie, Paul Liston, Bill Kavanagh and Alison Kay. "Psychosocial and Organisational Aspects of Work at Sea and Their Implications for Health and Performance", Textbook of Maritime Health, Norwegian Centre for Maritime and Driving Medicine, January 9th 2022.