Fifteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

The global economy depends on international shipping to transport raw materials and industrial products to where they are needed. Particularly during the COVID-19 period, shipping has provided the most vital artery of trade flowing, keeping us all fed, clothed and warm. Travel restrictions applicable to the main shipping countries and the general denial of governments to treat seafarers as key workers for the stability of international trade, has extended seafarers’ stay onboard far beyond their standard working contract. As a result (at the time of writing) there are about 300,000 seafarers trapped at sea in a state of liminality without having a clear plan about their replacement and repatriation causing stress and uncertainty that influences their personal safety, well-being and sense of belonging. This research is based on interviews with seafarers, as well as the author’s own experiences both at sea and on land, drawing from Greece’s long nautical heritage. A series of proposals is presented to better support seafarers to adapt to this new reality moderating the negative effects from the prolonged stay onboard.