Occupational Health in Maritime Environments
Summary
The maritime sector remains one of the most demanding occupational settings, characterised by prolonged periods at sea, variable environmental conditions and high operational tempo. Seafarers routinely encounter physical hazards such as vibrations, ergonomic strain and exposure to noise and chemical agents, alongside psychosocial stressors including social isolation, shift work, unpredictable schedules and multicultural team dynamics. The interplay between these factors contributes to elevated rates of fatigue, musculoskeletal disorders and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Occupational health strategies in maritime environments have evolved to integrate risk-assessment frameworks that capture the multilevel nature of onboard hazards, from individual health monitoring to systemic safety management. Technological advances, regulatory standards and targeted health promotion programmes aim to enhance resilience and well-being. However, persistent gaps remain in monitoring long-term health outcomes, addressing emerging threats such as pandemic disruptions and leveraging digital tools for remote health management. A comprehensive approach to maritime occupational health encompasses proactive surveillance, ergonomic interventions, psychosocial support and global policy coherence to safeguard the workforce underpinning international trade and supply chains.
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Occupational Health in Maritime Environments publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in occupational health in maritime environments across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Augmented reality (AR): A technology that overlays digital information onto the physical environment to support training and remote procedures onboard ships.
Artificial intelligence (AI): Computational methods that enable patterns detection and predictive modelling for health surveillance in remote maritime settings.
Occupational stress: The psychological and physiological response to demands and pressures arising from work tasks and living conditions on board.
Psychosocial risk: Factors in the workplace that can cause psychological or social harm, including isolation, workload and team dynamics.
Fatigue: A state of reduced mental or physical performance resulting from prolonged work hours, inadequate rest or environmental stressors at sea.
References
- Exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) in maritime medicine. Artificial Intelligence Review (2024).
- The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on seafarers’ mental health and chronic fatigue: Beneficial effects of onboard peer support, external support and Internet access. Marine Policy (2022).
- Mental health and psychological wellbeing of maritime personnel: a systematic review. BMC Psychology (2022).
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