The Overlooked "H" in HSE: A Seafarer's Perspective
Throughout my career as a seafarer, having worked on both Merchant Vessels, such as tankers, and currently onboard Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs) like workboats, workbarges, and soil boring vessels, I’ve witnessed firsthand the intense focus on safety within the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) framework. While safety is undoubtedly a critical aspect of maritime operations, what often gets overlooked is the Health component of HSE.
From my time on tankers navigating international waters to my current role in the offshore industry, I have observed that while safety is rigorously enforced through procedures, drills, and equipment checks, the overall health of crew members—both physical and mental—often takes a back seat. This imbalance can lead to long-term challenges for mariners, particularly in high-pressure environments like those on workboats and workbarges, where physical demands and mental strain are ever-present.
Safety at the Forefront of HSE
Working on merchant tankers exposed me to the importance of safety protocols. Tankers carry hazardous cargo, requiring meticulous attention to safety regulations, from handling dangerous goods to conducting emergency response drills. Similarly, in the offshore environment, safety remains the top priority. We adhere to strict procedures during heavy lifting operations, equipment handling, and when working in proximity to critical oil and gas installations. These measures are essential and ensure that accidents, which could have devastating consequences, are minimized.
As a Deck Officer, I’ve participated in countless safety drills, compliance checks, and audits to ensure that both the crew and the vessel are always prepared for emergencies. The focus on safety is ingrained in the culture onboard—rightly so, given the risks. However, this safety-first approach sometimes leaves the health of the crew as an afterthought. The “H” in HSE, which stands for Health, is often limited to the basic provision of first-aid or general medical care, leaving broader health concerns, like nutrition and mental well-being, insufficiently addressed.
Health Challenges for Seafarers
Working in both the tanker sector and now in the offshore Oil & Gas industry, I’ve seen various health challenges specific to seafarers that are rarely given the attention they deserve.
1. Physical Health on Vessels
The physical demands of the job are intense, especially on offshore vessels such as workboats and workbarges. Long shifts, harsh weather, and the physical labor involved in managing operations can take a serious toll on the body. When I was working on tankers, the extended voyages meant weeks or months at sea without proper breaks, which can strain the body over time. Similarly, offshore vessels are physically demanding environments where fatigue is common.
Musculoskeletal problems are frequent, as seafarers are often required to perform repetitive tasks and handle heavy equipment. But while safety measures aim to prevent acute injuries, there’s little focus on preventing chronic issues such as joint problems, back pain, or long-term cardiovascular health.
Additionally, the food available onboard often lacks the necessary nutrients to support a healthy diet. During my time on tankers and now offshore, access to fresh, high-quality food is limited. Meals are often based on processed, canned, or frozen ingredients, which can lead to poor nutrition, weight gain, and associated conditions like high cholesterol or heart disease. Despite this, there is very little discussion about improving nutrition as part of HSE programs, even though healthy eating is fundamental to the crew’s physical performance and long-term well-being.
2. Mental Health Struggles
One of the most significant challenges I’ve seen throughout my career, both on merchant vessels and offshore, is the impact of mental strain on seafarers. Isolation, long hours, and extended time away from family and friends are common experiences, yet mental health is seldom prioritized in HSE discussions. Working on tankers, I experienced the psychological toll of being at sea for long stretches without shore leave. In the offshore environment, where shifts are typically rotational, mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and even depression are prevalent.
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In many cases, the high-pressure environment exacerbates these mental health struggles. On workboats and workbarges, operations often involve time-sensitive tasks in hazardous conditions, adding stress to already demanding work. Yet, despite these mental health challenges, there are few resources available to help mariners cope. Open conversations about mental health are rare, and stigma around seeking help remains a barrier to accessing support.
3. Long-Term Health Risks
Long-term health monitoring is another area that is often overlooked. The constant exposure to elements such as chemical fumes, vibrations from machinery, and the physical wear and tear of manual labor can have lasting impacts on seafarers. While onboard merchant vessels like tankers, prolonged exposure to cargo fumes can have respiratory consequences. On offshore vessels, the combination of heavy physical labor and constant stress increases the risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease.
Unfortunately, once seafarers leave the vessel, health monitoring and preventive care are often neglected. The industry typically focuses on the immediate safety of the crew but fails to consider the long-term health consequences of the work environment.
A Holistic Approach to Health in HSE
Having worked in both the merchant and offshore sectors, I believe it is time to adopt a more holistic approach to health within the HSE framework. Here are a few key areas that need more focus:
Conclusion
My experience, from working on merchant tankers to my current role on offshore workboats and workbarges, has given me a firsthand view of the imbalance in how HSE is applied in the maritime industry. While safety is rightly prioritized, health—particularly long-term physical and mental well-being—deserves equal attention. By broadening the scope of HSE to include better nutrition, mental health support, and preventive healthcare, we can improve the overall health of seafarers and create a safer, more sustainable working environment in the Oil & Gas industry. It’s time to bring the "H" in HSE to the forefront of industry conversations.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are my own, based on personal experiences working in the maritime and offshore industry. They do not represent the views of any specific company or organization. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Any recommendations provided should be evaluated within the context of individual circumstances and with guidance from relevant experts in Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) management. The content does not reference specific incidents or workplaces and maintains the confidentiality of all associated parties.