SEAFARERS on vessels entered with Steamship Mutual are entitled to round-the-clock counselling and crisis support, the club has emphasised.

The marine mutual is seeking to highlight the offer in light of the fighting between the US and Israel, and Iran, which has left many vessels trapped in the region.

This is undoubtedly creating a stressful situation for the crews, who unexpectedly find themselves away from their families and in the middle of a combat zone.

SSM is working with Hamburg-based company Mental Health Support Solutions, whose services are designedly geared to the needs of the shipping industry.

Seafarers receive 24/7 access to confidential and multilingual professional psychological support, delivered by qualified psychologists with maritime experience.

The helpline allows seafarers to speak directly to a psychologist at any time, whether they are on board or ashore.

They will be able to talk through fears and anxieties in a safe, non-judgmental environment; develop practical coping strategies to manage stress and uncertainty; address sleep problems, low mood or feelings of being overwhelmed; and encouraged to maintain psychological resilience during extended periods away from home.

One big carrier who spoke to Lloyd’s List but asked not to be named insisted that the welfare of crews currently in the Middle East Gulf is an overriding priority for it right now.

Close contact is being made multiple times a day to ensure vessels are properly resupplied and that morale is maintained as far as possible.

Additionally, vessels are being moved to safer locations where possible and crew rotations were being arranged for those wishing to disembark.

Seafarers who have requested to leave ships have been supported with arrangements to return them home.