Filipino seafarers’ experiences and perceptions of psychosocial interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This paper examines the mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions provided to Filipino international merchant seafarers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the significant labor participation in seafaring of Filipinos, examining the MHPSS provided to them during a crisis is necessary because these services remain unexplored. Using an online survey, this paper raises two questions: (1) what MHPSS was provided to Filipino seafarers during the pandemic and (2) how did the seafarers perceive the importance of MHPSS interventions? Twenty-two MHPSS interventions are presented and analyzed, and policy recommendations for various Philippine-based stakeholders are offered.