Behavioural aspects among cruise ships passengers affecting the spread of infectious diseases including COVID-19: a systematic review

Outbreaks of infectious diseases have been reported among tourists on board cruise ships as well as on land-port based premises. Behavioural interventions have been implemented to prevent and mitigate the spread of infectious diseases. This study aimed to identify determinants of behavioural aspects as well as the facilitators and barriers to compliance with preventive measures. A systematic search of literature in Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist, the National Institute of Health (NIH), and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool / Checklist (MMAT) were used to appraise the quality of the articles. Four studies with a total of 3103 cruise ship passengers were included. Respondents reported having low knowledge levels (76%) related to preventive measures before COVID-19, with considerable improvement (89.5%) shown in the articles published after the pandemic. Studies examining attitudes and practices reported satisfactory levels. Generally, limited research on cruise ship passengers regarding the three components of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) exist. The review found that cruise passengers should understand the negative effects of a disease to undertake preventive actions. This should be accompanied with empowerment strategies to motivate individuals to change attitudes. In addition, there is a need to disseminate evidence-based information through responsible and trusted institutions. This survey could help in the designing of relevant prevention, mitigation and control policies for infectious diseases

Seafarers’ Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19: Lessons Learned

The maritime industry has long been a significant mode of transportation. It is essential since it contributes to 80% of the global trade. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the maritime sector and its workforce. Many countries implemented strict prevention measures like the No Sail Order, the closing of ports and movement restrictions. The study explored the potential effects of the COVID-19 restrictions on the health and well-being of seafarers with an aim to offer insight for policy recommendations. The study was cross-sectional. It took place during the period January–April 2021. The questionnaire developed by Stella Maris was used with permission. It was distributed to shipping companies and work unions and, through them, to seafarers. The sample was 106 individuals. The study features the findings of the questionnaire which were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. SPSS was used for the analysis. Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were performed. Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of COVID-19 on physical, mental and financial aspects of seafarers’ lives. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed using the forward (conditional) stepwise regression method with probability for stepwise entry set at 10%. Statistical significance was considered at p  0.05. Seafarers were affected physically (38%), mentally (53%), and financially (40%) by the pandemic. The country of origin, the time onboard and the number of supportive family members had an influence on those effects. Among the participants, those who worked on tankers and officers with more than three family members were more likely to face mental, physical or financial problems. In addition, the study showed that only 24.5% of the respondents were on regular contracts, 16% had their contracts extended, 14.2% were about to be deployed but were grounded due to the pandemic, while about half of the sample 41.5% was waiting for a new contract. The results of this study may be used as a starting point by International Organisations including IMO and ILO, flag states, ports and the industry to increase emergency preparedness and to inform outbreak response plans in the event of future infectious disease outbreaks in the shipping domain

Comprehensive Action to Address Seafarers’ Challenges since the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Pragmatic Approach to Human Rights at Sea

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many underlying issues regarding seafarers in the maritime industry, known as the “human element” at the International Maritime Organization. The challenges were a result of a global crew change crisis and issues with repatriation as a result of travel lockdowns, pay insecurity, mental health challenges, lack of digital access, and flaws within the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) that resulted in serious questions of liability and rights and responsibilities for seafarers. The Center for Ocean Policy & Economics (COPE), hosted by the Northeast Maritime Institute’s College of Maritime Science, observed and participated in several initiatives to promote human rights at sea to improve the livelihood of seafarers. The initiatives underscore pathways and methods of improvement for maritime and ocean related issues

Psychological Safety, Bullying, Sexual Assault and Harassment in the Maritime Sector

The adverse impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced and magnified issues of sexual assault and harassment (SASH) with consequences on seafarers’ mental health and wellbeing which in turn negatively affects recruitment and attrition rates of seafarers. The Center for Ocean Policy & Economics (COPE) hosted by the Northeast Maritime Institute’s College of Maritime Science, which was established to tackle wicked problems in the maritime and ocean related fields, established a working group to aid the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to amend and develop training for SASH in IMO Model Course 1.21 Personnel Safety and Social Responsibilities. The working group facilitates global participation through digital accessibility to ensure diverse viewpoints on SASH in the maritime sector

Comprehensive Action to Address Seafarers’ Challenges since the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Pragmatic Approach to Human Rights at Sea

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many underlying issues regarding seafarers in the maritime industry, known as the “human element” at the International Maritime Organization. The challenges were a result of a global crew change crisis and issues with repatriation as a result of travel lockdowns, pay insecurity, mental health challenges, lack of digital access, and flaws within the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) that resulted in serious questions of liability and rights and responsibilities for seafarers. The Center for Ocean Policy & Economics (COPE), hosted by the Northeast Maritime Institute’s College of Maritime Science, observed and participated in several initiatives to promote human rights at sea to improve the livelihood of seafarers. The initiatives underscore pathways and methods of improvement for maritime and ocean related issues

Psychological Safety, Bullying, Sexual Assault and Harassment in the Maritime Sector

The adverse impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced and magnified issues of sexual assault and harassment (SASH) with consequences on seafarers’ mental health and wellbeing which in turn negatively affects recruitment and attrition rates of seafarers. The Center for Ocean Policy & Economics (COPE) hosted by the Northeast Maritime Institute’s College of Maritime Science, which was established to tackle wicked problems in the maritime and ocean related fields, established a working group to aid the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to amend and develop training for SASH in IMO Model Course 1.21 Personnel Safety and Social Responsibilities. The working group facilitates global participation through digital accessibility to ensure diverse viewpoints on SASH in the maritime sector