QUESTION

• Type of paper Essay (Any Type)
• Number of pages 9

PROPOSAL FOR THE FINAL MASTER THESISAt the ″brief topic″ word file you may find more specific info about MY TOPIC REPORT, at the ″assessment brief″ is the university′s instructions and at the ″assessment sample″ file is an oldest proposal assessment which took a decent grade.BRITISH STANDARD HARVARD REFERENCING STYLE is requiredContents could be like the following:1. Introduction1.1. Emergence and importance of research question1.2. Research aim1.3. Research questions1.4. Research objectives1.5. Proposed dissertation structure2. Literature Review(SHOULD BE MENTIONED ITEMS LIKE: - INTRODUCTION - ROLE OF THE SEAMAN - LEGAL FRAMEWORK (what exists today) - MLC, STCW, ISM - HISTORIC REVIEW OF SEAMAN′S CONTRACT (How was the conditions 30 or 40 years ago in a service and how the several policies developed improved crew welfare) - Summary3. Research Methodology3.1. Introduction3.2. Research philosophy3.3. Research 

 

SOLUTION

THE NUCLEUS OF THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY - SEAFARER’S HEALTH, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL, AND ITS REPERCUSSION IN THEORY AND PRACTICE

1. Introduction

Seafarers work in conditions that put their physical and mental health at risk. For example, various factors, including COVID-19, adversely impact their mental health. Accidents arising from operating equipment and pollution can also damage physical health. Seafarers play a significant role globally, considering the contribution shipping makes toward economic growth. In that regard, this paper offers a research proposal for studying whether seafarers’ working environment impacts their physical and mental health, the problem’s impacts, and the legal framework’s role.

1.1. Emergence and Significance of Research Question

This subject is crucial considering the role seafarers play in the global economy. Their mental and physical health is at risk due to unfavorable working conditions. Siriwardena and Subasinghe  (2022, pp. 37) critically assess that some of the primary factors that put these individuals’ health at risk are noise, pollution, and accidents. This matter requires attention because seafarers can never work well when experiencing these challenges. For example, one may not manage to do some tasks when in pain.

A study by Pallotta et al. (2022, pp. 2) shows that productivity in the workplace also reduces due to mental health challenges. Their inability to function well in the workplace due to mental and physical health problems adversely impacts the world economy. Therefore, addressing this matter as soon as possible is crucial as it will benefit the individuals, their loved ones, and society. Research findings are supposed to show that seafarers’ unfavorable working conditions adversely impact their mental and physical health and that the legal frameworks involve limitations that prevent them from successfully protecting them.

 

1. 2. Research Aim

The research has two main aims. The first aim involves identifying ways to help reduce the number of accidents on board. The second aim entails comprehending seafarers’ role in the shipping industry and their physical and mental health significance when performing this role.

1.3. Research questions

1. What are some of the risks arising from poor health?
2. What are some of the best strategies that can help enhance the health problems seafarers experience?
3. What mental and physical health problems experience in the shipping industry?

1.4. Research objectives

1. To determine the best ways to deal with the psychological problems related to their work and to prevent depression and its effects.
2. Utilize statistics to determine the severity of the problem.
3. Comprehend seafarers’ roles and the problems they experience to determine where the gap is in the practical execution of protecting health.

1.5. Proposed dissertation structure

The first chapter, the introduction, will discuss the research aims, objectives, and questions. The second chapter, the literature review, will thoroughly evaluate what the contemporary study mentions about seafarers’ mental and physical health and its repercussions. The third chapter, discussion, findings, and methodology, will commence a new study concerning the issue. The last chapter, the conclusion, focuses on responding to the primary research question.

2. Literature Review

2.1 Introduction

Considering the environment where seafarers operate, their physical and mental health are at increased risk. They spend most of their time in the sea, exposing their bodies to harsh elements. These elements include changes in the climatic zone, prolonged stress, and vibration. Other factors that risk these individuals’ health are electromagnetic fields and noise. COVD. However, even though these conditions put their lives at risk, they do not get adequate assistance to help improve their lives. One of the most common physical health problems seafarers experience is cancer. According to Asadian et al. (2021, pp. 1), ultraviolet rays are a significant cancerous material causing nonmelanoma skin cancer. Extensive exposure of seafarers to increased ultraviolet rays is among the key reasons why cancer is one of the most common diseases among these individuals. Cancer morbidity among them is high due to increased exposure to petroleum products, eating fatty fish, and exposure to the organochlorine compound.

2.2. Seafarers’ Mental and Physical Health – Brief Overview

Work-related accidents are also common among them due to inexperience. Siriwardena and Subasinghe  (2022, pp. 39) critically assess that  They are also prone to cardiovascular diseases due to poor diet and a lack of insight into the factors that expose them to this problem. Moreover, they most likely have hepatitis.

This environment also puts their mental health at risk. Crew fatigue adversely impacts these individuals’ health. According to Nurcholis and Qurniawati (2020, pp. 139), some seafarers overwork without adequate sleep, leading to crew fatigue, and adversely affecting mental health. Mental health challenges also arise from the impacts of COVID-19. According to UNCTAD (2021, pp. 109), COVID-19 made it difficult for the seafarers to repatriate. That has adversely impacted their mental health. Due to the crew change crisis, numerous seamen found it difficult to move even after their contracts expired (UNCTAD, 2021, pp. 109). Some complained of not being able to start contracts due to travel restrictions. These frustrations were so severe that some seamen promised to quit their jobs after the repatriation. Wong (2021, pp. 2) notes that a lack of repatriation led to financial insecurity, which was significantly associated with anxiety and depression. The effects of the pandemic are prevalent to date. 

This matter requires attention because these mental and physical health problems involve various challenges that impact these individuals, their families, and the world economy. According to Nurcholis and Qurniawati (2020, pp. 137), One of the chief impacts of poor mental and physical health among these individuals is increased accidents when one operates the machines. Baumler et al. (2021, pp. 2) explain that these accidents affect those involved, people depending on them, those who treat them, and the ones owning the commodity in the machines they operate. Consequently, the economy suffers.

Poor mental and physical health also leads to decreased and poor labor as some individuals cannot report to work when ill. Moreover, when one is mentally unstable, it reduces productivity. Siriwardena and Subasinghe  (2022, pp. 45) critically assess that They also require a lot of money for treatment. These factors involve extensive adverse impacts. A study by Pallotta et al. (2022, pp. 5) shows the severity of this problem. This research revealed that during 2021-2020 roughly 376 seafarers suffered from mental issues. However, this number only involves the population that got an official diagnosis.

Corruption is a significant challenge exacerbating this problem. According to Shan and Lippel (2019, pp. 8), some employers do not comply with every requirement according to the legal frameworks protecting them because they know they can get away with this misconduct. After all, the criminal justice system does not pay much attention to seafarers’ challenges. Therefore, they can make workers overwork and work in a dangerous environment putting their mental and physical health at risk.

Some of these seafarers also suffer due to ignorance. Shan and Lippel (2019, pp. 5) critically evaluate that an individual may spend too long hours in the workplace than the legal framework requires due to ignorance. The legal framework also mentions how the employer is supposed to chip in when an employee is sick. However, Exarchopoulos et al. (2018, pp. 67) explain that some workers do not know about these issues; therefore, they suffer due to a lack of knowledge. Some employers assume that when an employee signs a contract, they should be fully aware of such an issue; however, it may not be the case for everyone. Moreover, some do not have adequate training to help them interpret some policies.

Considering how adversely seafarers’ workforce environment impacts their health and the factors that exacerbate this problem, efficient measures are necessary to help deal with the matter. Moreover, these people’s work benefits their loved ones and the global economy (Shan and Lippel, 2019, pp. 3). Mortalities and illness are also significant factors severely impacting the economy. These workers are also human and have rights that should help guarantee they work in a favorable environment.

2.3. The Role of the Seaman

UNCTAD (2021, pp. 111) highlights that “around 1.9 million seafarers work to facilitate the way we live." International trade significantly relies on sea transport. Even though COVID-19 has adversely impacted their operations, they still show considerable dedication and professionalism in delivering various critical products, including fuel, medical supplies, and food (UNCTAD, 2021, pp. 111). They are an essential pillar of the world economy because global commerce requires them to keep running. Moreover, they keep the supply chain active by helping enhance the distribution network and easing transportation jams.

Therefore, these individuals playing a substantial role in ensuring their smooth operations must be healthy physically and mentally as their health significantly affects the economy. “Recognizing this, key shipping stakeholders, including international bodies, governments, and industry, have issued guidance and recommendations to support seafarers during the pandemic” (UNCTAD, 2021, pp. 111). One of the most crucial factors they are using to achieve this goal is the legal framework.

2.4. The Legal Framework

2.4.1 Legal Framework-What Exists Today

Various legal frameworks are supposed to protect the rights of these workers to ensure they have favorable working conditions regarding the time they spend in the workplace and how their employers support them with healthcare costs, among other factors. One of these legal frameworks is the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). According to Pan (2021, pp. 5), MLC guarantees global protection of these individuals’ rights. It also sets minimum living and working standards every employer must ensure the worker gets. It covers accommodation, medical care, hours of work, and wages. All these factors MLC covers are directly associated with mental and physical health.

Huang (2022, pp. 30) explain that under this convention, one should pay workers repatriation when they get injuries or sickness. This provision has positively impacted these individuals’ mental and physical health. According to International Labour Organization (2022, pp. 1), one of the most significant aspects that MLC has transformed that initially impacted seafarers adversely involves ordering organizations to offer workers free good-quality drinking water. Contaminated water used to be a primary cause of health challenges; however, the latest MLC Amendments 2022 caused transformation by introducing new rules about water provision. According to International Transport Workers' Federation Global (2014, pp. 11), MLC introduced the no alcohol policies, which do not allow seamen to take alcohol while on board. This rule has helped reduce physical and mental illnesses associated with the overconsumption of alcohol, including depression and liver cirrhosis.

According to Mercanti (2021, pp. 7), Introducing MLC also helped deal with the problem of loneliness after introducing a policy that stated that seafarers' service on board could only last for a maximum of eleven months. This rule has helped improve the mental health of these individuals as they get time to interact with their loved ones, unlike initially when their service on board could go for as long as two years.

The International Safety Management Code (ISM) sets international standards that ship owners must abide by to ensure that the ships' operations do not damage the environment and cause accidents or injuries to the employees. It has helped protect seafarers from diseases resulting from pollution because it guarantees the appropriate functioning of ships to prevent pollution. It also helps protect the health of the seafarers through MSC FAL.7/Cir.6, which ensures that one only operates equipment they are fully conversant with to avoid unnecessary accidents. Lakioti (2022, pp. 11) reports that this code also requires the employer to prevent pollution from the ship, which helps protect seafarers from pollution-related health problems, including cardiac arrest and pneumonia. Generally, it is concerned with the safety of seafarers from accidents and pollution.

According to UNCTAD (2021, pp. 139), since 2019, the IMO Compendium now covers the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). MARPOL convention's primary focus is reducing pollution by lowering GHG emissions (UNCTAD, 2021, pp. 139). Therefore, it has also played a significant role in improving seafarers' physical health by preventing pollution-related diseases. It discourages ship owners from using heavy fuel oil.

On the other hand, the SOLAS establishes minimum requirements that ship owners must consider regarding a ship's construction to ensure safety. UNCTAD (2021, pp. 122) states that IMO's primary focus is to guarantee maritime safety and help seafarers return to normal operations free from the adverse impacts of COVID-19. Therefore, SOLAS plays a significant role in helping IMO achieve this goal. SOLAS has contributed to improving physical health because the safety standards help prevent health complications associated with accidents from operating the ship.

2.4.2 Legal Framework- Condition Forty Years Ago

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) has been in place since 1978. It sets fundamental necessities for training and certification. According to Mantoju (2021, pp. 108), STCW sets minimum living and working standards that every employer should give seafarers. It focuses more on training; therefore, it has also contributed to improved physical and mental health by setting standards that help reduce accidents during ship operations. However, this convention involves a significant shortcoming. Zhang et al. (2020, pp. 387) argue that the minimum requirements are inappropriate, providing low-quality services to seafarers. Since this convention has standards below the appropriate measure, other conventions, including MLC and ISM, have helped bridge the gap.

One of the crucial aspects this convention never addressed was the issue of contaminated water which adversely impacted the health of seafarers. However, today, seafarers have access to free, good, quality drinking water (Labour Organization, 2022, pp. 1). Initially, seamen also struggled with challenges associated with overconsumption of alcohol as they could drink while on board. That happened because there were no conventions prohibiting the act. One of the significant impacts of that was increased accidents. However, things have changed today as they no longer happen due to MLC regulations prohibiting taking alcohol while on board.

2.5. Summary

Considering the environment where seafarers operate, their physical and mental health are at increased risk. Factors contributing to mental health challenges include COVID-19 and crew fatigue. Aspects associated with physical health challenges include workplace conditions lower than the minimum standards the employer should provide. These individuals are also prone to injuries due to a lack of experience or knowledge. Even though there have been legal frameworks to help address these problems, they persist because some employers disregard them, and some workers do not know their rights. Moreover, some laws have shortcomings that make it challenging to support seafarers fully.

3. Research Methodology

3.1. Introduction

This part discusses the research methods that will help hold the main study to ensure a successful proposed research project. It thoroughly describes the research data analysis methods, data collection, research method, design, approach, and philosophy. The section also discusses reasons for choosing the techniques.

3.2. Research Philosophy

The most fitting research philosophy for this proposal is the positivist research philosophy. This study will proceed via observation, making it compatible with positivism. Žukauskas et al. (2018, pp. 128) mention that this philosophy entails recognizing that one can only comprehend the social world objectively. The researcher will be an objective analyst to ensure thorough research without reliance on personal works and views. The study will only be based on facts because the researcher will only judge information with logic.

3.3. Research Design and Approach

The researchers will utilize the descriptive evaluation method to assess the data from the study. In this evaluation, the researcher determines headings and adds information under each (Atmowardoyo, 2018, pp. 198). This information is summaries of data that goes through interpretation to help put raw data into a setup that people can comprehend. The last step will involve providing knowledge by making assumptions concerning what people should expect in the future. Since this study aims to make logical judgments utilizing available information from the respondents, the most fitting approach is deductive.

3.4. Research method and strategy

The best research method for this study will be the quantitative research method. This method is most suitable because this study aims to get an answer to how the working environment of seafarers and their health are related. Moreover, it aims at studying how their mental and physical health challenges impact their productivity in the workplace. It is also appropriate in studies with large samples (Atmowardoyo, 2018, pp. 198). Moreover, the information from the research will go through a statistical evaluation.

3.5. Data collection and sampling

The data collection will happen in a hospital where the healthcare providers assess the health of seafarers every day. The researcher will seek institutional authority from the organization’s director before collecting information. The researcher will explain the reason behind the research before they accept to participate. A voluntary study follows after getting consent, and the participants will not provide their names. Three hundred seafarers and the healthcare professionals who attend to them will fill in questionnaires. A probability sampling method will follow to ensure equality in participation (Lamm and Lamm, 2019, pp. 53). Simple random sampling will help ensure randomization. The study will involve the healthcare providers who attend to the seafarers, the seafarers, and the HR manager.

3.6. Methods of Data Analysis

The researcher will calculate descriptive statistics to get comprehensive data about the information set. Descriptive statistics enhances one’s comprehension of data set features (Johnson et al., 2020, pp. 143). This calculation will focus on standard deviation, modes, means, and frequencies. They will hold an information evaluation with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 23 because of its efficiency in providing information evaluation for descriptive statistics.

 

 

 

List of References

Asadian, A., Fattahi Ardakani, M., Sotoudeh, A., Zareipour, M. and Movahed, E., 2021. Determinants of Sailors’ Protective Behaviors in Fishing Spots against the Risks of Sunlight and Skin Cancer: A Qualitative Study in Iran. Journal of Skin Cancer, 2021, pp. 1-8.

Atmowardoyo, H., 2018. Research methods in TEFL studies: Descriptive research, case study, error analysis, and R & D. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 9(1), pp.197-204.

Baumler, R., Bhatia, B.S. and Kitada, M., 2021. The ship first: Seafarers’ adjustment of records on work and rest hours. Marine Policy, 130, p.2-8.

Exarchopoulos, G., Zhang, P., Pryce-Roberts, N. and Zhao, M., 2018. Seafarers’ welfare: A critical review of the legal issues under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006. Marine Policy, 93, pp.62-70.

Huang, H., 2022. Ratification and implementation of the 2014 Amendments to the MLC, 2006: the case of China, pp. 25-40.

International Labour Organization, 2022. The shipping industry adopts amendments to Maritime Labour Convention to improve seafarers' conditions. International Labour Organization.

International Transport Workers' Federation Global, 2014. A Seafarers’ Bill of Rights. International Transport Workers' Federation Global., pp. 1-40.

Johnson, J.L., Adkins, D. and Chauvin, S., 2020. A review of the quality indicators of rigor in qualitative research. American journal of pharmaceutical education, 84(130-145).

Lakioti, E., 2022. Crew management, The Covid-19 Challenges and the international response (Master’s thesis, Πανεπιστήμιο Πειραιώς), pp. 10-70.

Lamm, A.J. and Lamm, K.W., 2019. Using non-probability sampling methods in agricultural and extension education research. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 26(1), pp.52-59.

Mantoju, C.D., 2021. Analysis of the impact of the maritime labor convention, 2006: A seafarer’s perspective. Journal of International Maritime Safety, Environmental Affairs, and Shipping, 5(3), pp.107-119.

Mercanti, A., 2021. Information note on maritime labor issues and coronavirus (COVID-19, pp. 5-20.

Nurcholis, G. and Qurniawati, M., 2020. Psychological well-being, Stress at Work, and Safety Behaviour at Sea of Seafarer on Shipping Company. Technium Soc. Sci. J., 12, p.137-140.

Pallotta, G., Battineni, G., Nittari, G. and Amenta, F., 2022. Psychological Stress and Mental Health Among Seafarers. In Proceedings of Data Analytics and Management (pp. 1-10). Springer, Singapore.

Pan, H., 2021. Protection on the rights and interests of Chinese seafarers under MLC 2006, pp. 5-42.

Shan, D. and Lippel, K., 2019. Occupational health and safety challenges from employment-related geographical mobility among Canadian seafarers on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. New Solutions: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy, 29(3), pp.1-21.

Siriwardena, M.B.D.K. and Subasinghe, N.T.S., 2022. The hazard identification and risk analysis systems for the marine environment.

UNCTAD, 2021. Review of Maritime Transport 2021. UNCTAD, pp. 1- 130.

Zhang, P., Zhao, L., Vata, O. and Rajagopal, S., 2020. Restructuring seafarers’ welfare under the Maritime Labour Convention: an empirical case study of Greece. Maritime Business Review, pp. 373-385.

Žukauskas, P., Vveinhardt, J. and Andriukaitienė, R., 2018. Philosophy and paradigm of scientific research. Management culture and corporate social responsibility, 121.

 

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