Crew Welfare Week 2025: Prioritizing physical wellness for seafarers
Physical wellness is essential for seafarers, yet often overlooked in the maritime industry. Facing long hours, demanding conditions, and extended time away from home, maintaining health is not just a lifestyle choice; it’s an operational necessity. At the 2025 Crew Welfare Week, experts discussed ways to improve seafarers’ physical well-being both onboard and ashore.
The panel discussion on physical wellness, moderated by Captain Yves Vandenborn, FNI, Head of Loss Prevention Asia-Pacific at NorthStandard, featured insights from leading experts in maritime healthcare: Dr. Antonio Roberto M. Abaya, Chief Medical Officer at HealthMetrics; Marinos Kokkinis, Managing Director at OneCare Group; Dr. Christian Lubaton, Managing Director at Nordic Medical Clinic; and Dr. William Moore, Senior Vice President & Global Head of Loss Prevention at The American P&I Club.
The physical challenges of life at sea
Seafarers encounter a unique set of challenges that can compromise their physical health. Extended working hours, irregular sleep patterns, restricted space for physical activity, and limited dietary options often contribute to fatigue, musculoskeletal strain, and a sedentary lifestyle. These conditions disrupt the maintenance of healthy habits, creating a cycle that can lead to both short-term and long-term health issues.
Captain Yves Vandenborn set the tone for the discussion, emphasizing that physical health is not only a welfare concern but a safety imperative. “When we speak of physical wellness at sea, we are talking about far more than just avoiding illness or injury. It’s about supporting seafarers to maintain strength, stamina, and resilience through proper nutrition, rest, exercise, and ergonomics, especially when they work in demanding environments for extended periods, often isolated from their families and medical support,” he said.
From a P&I perspective, Captain Vandenborn noted a rising prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries alongside cardiovascular and metabolic issues among seafarers. “Despite growing awareness of mental health, physical wellness remains the most underdeveloped pillar of seafarer well-being,” he added. “Both mental and physical health require equal attention to maintain a resilient, operational workforce.”
The role of personal responsibility
Dr. Christian Lubaton highlighted the inherent difficulties in staying healthy at sea. “Operations never stop, so seafarers rarely get full recovery. Limited space to move, restricted access to healthy food, and long working hours all contribute to fatigue. Physical wellness often becomes optional until critical situations arise, such as medical repatriations or serious illness. A holistic approach is essential; not just for the body, but for the mind and overall resilience.”
He stressed the importance of personal responsibility, explaining that physical wellness cannot be outsourced.
A strong crew starts with a cared-for body. Beyond gyms or checklists, it’s about daily energy, endurance, and resilience when operations are tight. Quiet self-discipline, especially when no one is watching, is critical.
Dr. William Moore reinforced the importance of maintaining fitness both at sea and ashore, highlighting that physical wellness is a continuous commitment, not limited to onboard routines.
Pre-Employment Medical Examinations (PEMEs)
PEMEs play a critical role in safeguarding the health of seafarers. Dr. Lubaton noted that last-minute medical examinations often fail to adequately prepare crew for the physical demands of life at sea. Non-communicable, lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and hypertension are emerging earlier among seafarers, underscoring the need for both education and preventive care. “We focus on teaching alongside testing, empowering seafarers to understand and manage their health effectively,” he said.
Dr. Abaya explained that PEMEs are often perceived as intimidating by seafarers, but in reality, the vast majority meet health standards with guidance and minor adjustments.
Health is a shared responsibility: seafarers must take care of themselves, and we support them. Our long-term data shows a repatriation rate of only 1.5%, reflecting the overall health of our seafarers.
Dr. Moore added that while PME programs may be mandatory for certain nationalities, failure rates are extremely low. “Many conditions develop over time, so it’s rarely accurate to attribute repatriations directly to the PEME. Our clinics and programs do an excellent job supporting crew health,” he said.
Encouraging physical wellness onboard
One of the central challenges discussed was motivating seafarers to maintain physical wellness despite busy schedules. Capt. Vandenborn noted that when off-duty, seafarers prioritize family calls and rest over exercise or healthy meals. Dr. Lubaton emphasized that motivation must be personal. “You cannot pay someone to sleep better or eat healthier. For Filipino seafarers, taking care of yourself is taking care of your family. Health is an individual responsibility, and education is key,” he said.
Marinos Kokkinis advocated for integrating awareness into the culture rather than relying solely on compliance.
Lifestyle-related conditions, including obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, are rising even among younger crew. Awareness, education, and cultural change are essential. Initiatives like recognition programs, peer-led health initiatives, and onboard wellness champions can make a real difference. Leadership must walk the talk to encourage adoption
…he explained.
Technology as an enabler
Technology can also support physical wellness onboard. Wearable devices can monitor sleep, heart rate, and activity levels, while AI-driven platforms can provide real-time guidance on nutrition and fitness. Telemedical systems enable early intervention before health issues become critical, enhancing overall crew resilience.
Kokkinis emphasized that technology must be human-centered. “Adoption grows when seafarers feel that it serves them—not just to track metrics. Engagement matters. Gamifying wellness challenges and promoting group goals can foster a culture of shared responsibility and continuous improvement.”
Dr. Abaya highlighted telemedicine’s rapid advancement, particularly during the pandemic. “Telemedicine allows private, secure communication about both physical symptoms and emotional well-being. Hundreds of counseling services are now available for free, and language barriers are increasingly addressed,” he said.
Addressing dental hygiene challenges
Dental health remains a significant concern for seafarers. Dr. Lubaton noted that many begin contracts with poor dental hygiene, often delaying treatment until onboard care is available.
“Oral examinations, targeted x-rays, and preventive education are essential. Untreated dental issues can worsen during a seven-month contract, affecting overall health and operational readiness. Education and early intervention are key,” he said.
Toward a holistic approach to physical wellness
The discussion underscored the need for a holistic approach to physical wellness at sea. This approach encompasses personal responsibility, organizational culture, leadership engagement, and technology-enabled support. It integrates preventive care, PEMEs, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mental health, creating a sustainable environment for seafarers to thrive.
Ultimately, enhancing physical wellness is not merely a welfare initiative, it is a strategic imperative. Healthier, stronger, and more resilient crew members are better equipped to handle the operational demands of life at sea, reducing risks, improving safety, and fostering a culture of well-being that benefits both seafarers and the maritime industry at large.
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