Behind the scenes: seafaring and family life

Thomas, Michelle, Sampson, Helen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5857-9452 and Minghua, Zhao 2001. Behind the scenes: seafaring and family life. Presented at: Seafarers International Research Centre Symposium 2001, Cardiff University, 29 June 2001. Seafarers International Research Centre Symposium Proceedings (2001). Cardiff, UK: Seafarers International Research Centre, pp. 117-143.

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Abstract

Separation from partner and family has been found to be one of the most significant causes of stress for seafarers (Parker et al., 1997), with separation from the family one of the most important ‘stress’ factors influencing a decision to reduce planned sea service (Telegraph, 1999). Drawing on in-depth interviews with seafarers’ partners in the UK, China and India, this paper focuses on the impact of seafaring on family life, with particular attention given to the effects of differing conditions of service and the range of company support available to seafarers and their partners. The paper concludes that the negative consequences of seafaring can be minimised by such policies as shorter trips, continuous employment (rather than employment by voyage) and opportunities for partners and families to sail. Whilst these measures may have financial costs, these can be off-set by improved retention of seafarers and the avoidance of stress-related illnesses. Indeed, at a time when there is a projected shortfall of well-trained seafarers, such steps may be sound company policy.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Seafarers International Research Centre (SIRC)
Publisher:	Seafarers International Research Centre
ISBN:	1900174162
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	21 March 2024
Last Modified:	22 Mar 2024 03:35
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/167443

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