WellAtSea, part of the OneCare group, has recently emphasized the importance of changing mariners' behavior rather than just raising awareness of health issues. The company believes that health activities in the maritime industry may mistakenly be recognized as progress in health if there is no emphasis on changing mariners' behavior.
Challenges of Behavioral Change in the Maritime Industry
Despite increasing investments in the health and well-being of crew members, mere awareness alone does not lead to healthier choices. Gissa Paredes, CEO of WellAtSea, pointed out that mariners are usually aware of the risks associated with smoking, inadequate sleep, lack of activity, and unhealthy lifestyles. The greater challenge is to create motivation, support, and an appropriate environment on ships so that individuals can turn this knowledge into sustainable habits.
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Effective Programs and Behavioral Changes
WellAtSea believes that the most effective programs should be designed based on individual behaviors, not just providing more information. This includes understanding individual motivations, leveraging peer influence, setting achievable goals, and maintaining engagement long enough to make healthy choices a part of daily life. For example, the company's smoking cessation program for a maritime operator has focused on supporting behavioral change over time through education, achievable goals, regular engagement, incentives, and encouragement.
In this program, progress throughout the process is recognized, and success is not limited to immediate cessation of smoking. Paredes stated, "Individuals rarely change just because something is bad for them. The more important questions are why they continue, what might encourage them to change, and what support helps them maintain that decision."
The use of wellness ambassadors has also been highlighted as an important factor in this area. These ambassadors identify individuals who can increase motivation to participate in programs among peers and help foster healthy behaviors from within the workforce. The importance of engagement is increasingly recognized by maritime employers.
Ultimately, WellAtSea believes that the next phase of maritime wellness must move towards sustainable behavioral change. By combining behavioral understanding, peer influence, and measurable engagement, companies can turn individual health initiatives into healthy habits that become ingrained in life on board ships.
