(http://www.MaritimeCyprus.com) Nautilus, the RMT union and the UK Chamber of Shipping have jointly agreed new guidelines to help shipping companies to develop policies for the mental wellbeing of their seafarers.

The advice come at a time of increasing awareness of the importance of wellbeing and growing concerns about evidence suggesting that the suicide rate among seafarers is one of the highest of all occupations.

One in six adults will be experiencing a mental health problem at any one time, according to the Office of National Statistics, and mental illness is estimated to cost UK businesses £30bn every year through lost production, recruitment and absence.

The shipping industry partners are aiming to increase awareness among management of the importance of good mental health in the maritime profession, and to support companies in fostering a culture that is conducive to improving the mental wellbeing of seafarers.

The Chamber and the unions recommend that shipping…