Interpersonal relationships with seafarers are a vital aspect among the crews onboard a ship. But before we go deeper let us discuss what an interpersonal relationship is all about.
An Interpersonal relationship is an association or connection between 2 or more people. Connection or association with fellow seafarers at sea is vital, teamwork is the key to every successful voyage.
On the sea, every seafarer has a specific role to play. Each of these roles is connected, in the sense that they all work together. To be part of a ship’s crew, a seafarer needs to learn how to socialize or associate with other seafarers onboard.
Why interpersonal relationship
Over the past few years, Maritime safety has been impacted by communication problems due to language barriers. Relationships breakdown when there is poor or non-existent communication and success and happiness are in doubt.
People on the vessel must communicate well to ensure their safety as well as the safety of the crew and vessel.
Objective
Interpersonal communication aboard ships aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of communication among sailors to perform safe tricks.
There are many advantages of interpersonal relationships onboard a ship; not only does it increase the level of cooperation within the ship’s crew but it also creates an avenue for getting jobs done swiftly with ease.
What is interpersonal relationship of ship’s crew like?
Is it perfect or do you think it needs improvement? Working onboard a ship often involves considerable mental and physical demands which are not readily comparable to those experienced within onshore professions.
- Seafarers have a relatively unique role in that they are in the workplace during both working and Non working hours with only their colleagues for company, making them an extremely isolated working group.
- As they spend so much time with their colleagues, it is important that these relationships are positive and that there is cohesion amongst teams.
However, research suggests there are frequently conflicts between different ranks and departments which, coupled with long periods away from home and families can lead to loneliness and homesickness.
- Seafarers are also typically isolated in a physical environment which is not optimal for mental health: Being onboard a ship can involve prolonged exposure to poor physical conditions such as high-pitched noises, vibration, col spells, high temperatures and unstable moisture conditions.
- Additionally, seafarers typically work long hours doing physically demanding work with inadequate rest hours; the most recent Seafarers Happiness Index report revealed that many seafarers feel pressured to work excessive hours.
Seafarers typically work on a “Watch System” which can reduce their amount and quality of sleep leading to fatigue which can be further exacerbated by the different time zones during long voyages.
Other risk factors for fatigue include
- Disrupted Circadian rhythms caused by shift work.
- Long Shifts
- Irregular Work Hours
- A rotating watch system rather than steady watch cycle.
- Night Shifts
- Irregular Sleep quantity
- High Job Demands and pressures
- Exposure to physical environment factors such as ship engine noise and vibration.
How to improve?
How a seafarer can improve his/her interpersonal relationship with other seafarers and how a crew leader or Captain can improve the interpersonal relationship of the ship’s crew.
MARPRO’s blog of the week is shared by courtesy of Abhineet Sharma. Connect with him here.