Q&A: How does MedSea support mental health at sea?

Responding to frequently asked questions about mental health at sea

In this Q&A, the MedSea medical team shares how we provide emotional support to seafarers, as part of a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.  

1. What mental health support does MedSea offer seafarers?

MedSea addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of a crewmember’s current state. Our medical team provide a clinical assessment, alongside immediate emotional support and may then refer the seafarer for professional counselling, depending on the need.

Our comprehensive care is tailored to seafarers, with a team that recognise and understand the specific demands and challenges of life at sea.

2. Emotional Support, counselling, what’s the difference?

MedSea delivers a range of services that support the broad spectrum of mental health issues.

• Emotional support: Immediate assistance, guidance and relevant signposting provided by our medical team.
• Counselling: Structured sessions provided by a mental health professional at WorkPlace Options (WPO), who support the crewmember in exploring personal challenges and in developing coping strategies.

Download our mental health infographic here.

3. Receiving emotional support is confidential, but what if there is a serious concern about the crewmember’s safety?

Crew safety is always our number one priority. Although emotional support is confidential, if we believe that a crewmember might be at risk of harm to themselves or others, we will take appropriate steps which may include alerting the Captain or company and activating safety protocols.

4. What role do counselling services play in managing stress and anxiety? (WPO)

Counselling services provide individuals with tools to manage stress, improve self-awareness, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Regular sessions can build emotional resilience, improve sleep and concentration, and reduce the impact of stressors over time.

View a case study here.

5. How can counselling support crewmembers in crisis situations? 

Counselling provides immediate, structured support during crises (e.g., witnessing a man-overboard or serious trauma) by:

• Rapidly assessing risk and key stressors
• Stabilising distress with de‑escalation and grounding techniques
• Creating a 24–72 hour action plan with onboard notifications and resources
• Coordinating referrals to medical or specialist services in line with company procedures
• Arranging follow‑ups to monitor safety and adjust the plan as needed.

Coping mechanisms are strategies to manage stress, regulate emotions, and function during difficult situations. Counselling helps build a personalised toolkit, for example:

• Immediate: box/paced breathing; grounding (5–4–3–2–1); brief movement; “name it to tame it”
• Problem-focused: simple “must/should/can” task lists; structured worry time; seeking supervisor support; practical financial planning
• Emotion-focused: journaling; guided imagery; progressive muscle relaxation; strengths/gratitude reflections
• Lifestyle: sleep routines adapted to shifts; hydration and balanced nutrition; micro-workouts; limiting caffeine/nicotine near rest periods
• Social: peer check-ins; connecting with family; confidential counselling sessions

Some seafarers choose faith-based support, to help them through personal challenges and that is absolutely fine. Our approach may provide different benefits because we look after both physical and mental health together, which can provide comprehensive, coordinated management of a crewmember’s overall health.

Many cases requiring psychological support stem from stressors such as family problems, death or illness of a loved one back home, financial struggles or challenges in the workplace. Lack of sleep is often a factor, either as a cause of or exacerbating psychological challenges.

Find out more

Discover how MedSea deliver a holistic approach to health and wellbeing here