Running miles and running lines, can seafarers do both while being happy? - A survey-based study researching the possibility and opportunities for physical activity, and an active lifestyle's wellbeing

Abstract

A seafarer often spends half or more of their life at their workplace, a workplace that controls their sleep, social connections and their access to physical activity. On top of this, they often work many hours in sometimes dangerous environments. It is well known today that physical activity can have a positive impact on areas in life that affects well-being. But does physical activity impact seafarers well-being when they live in anything but a comfortable environment? The study aimed to answer three questions; what opportunities are there onboard for the crew to perform physical activity, how are these opportunities for physical activities utilised by the crew and how are the crews’ perceived well-being affected by physical activities onboard. The study used a questionnaire sent out via email to 20 Swedish shipping companies to distribute onboard their Swedish-flagged ships over 3000 GT, but also to Sjöfartens sjöfartens utbildnings institut, Sjöbefälsföreningen and Service- och kommunikationsfacket. Back came answers from 187 seafarers. The answers showed that there were good opportunities to exercise onboard and that most of the seafarers utilised the space and equipment available. However, no connection could be found between exercising and increased perceived well-being. One group of seafarers, the ones working 12 hours and then resting 12 hours, were found to have poorer well-being than the general population. Establishing that some seafarers have poor well-being is the first step towards the development of a future onboard workplace environment that is safer, more sufficient and healthier than it is today.