Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on seafarers of Black Sea coastal countries

The term pandemic is used to describe widespread epidemic diseases that affect a large geographical area such as a continent or the entire surface of the globe. The history of epidemic diseases is as old as human history itself, and the COVID-19 pandemic is neither the first nor the last within this timeline. Governments have implemented various restrictions during pandemics to prevent the spread of the disease. These restrictions have deeply affected individuals' mental health and work environments. While there are studies examining the impact of the current pandemic on various segments of society, such studies are quite limited. Similarly, research on the mental well-being of seafarers during the pandemic is also limited, and there is no study specifically focusing on seafarers from countries bordering the Black Sea. This thesis aims to examine the effects of COVID-19 on seafarers from countries bordering the Black Sea. The study was conducted using both online and face-to-face survey methods, and participants' levels of depression and anxiety were observed. Additionally, the problems they encountered on ships were examined, and significant relationships between their current mental states and these issues were explored. Findings revealed that 38.8% of seafarers exhibited symptoms of depression, and 56.6% showed symptoms of anxiety. There was a moderately significant relationship between seafarers' duties on board and their levels of anxiety. Furthermore, a moderate relationship was found between the tense and stressful atmosphere on ships during the pandemic and the mental health of seafarers. Additionally, a significant relationship was found between seafarers' levels of anxiety and the extra payments they received and contract extension periods during the pandemic. The study results indicate that the levels of depression and anxiety among seafarers are significantly higher compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. The findings of this thesis should be considered by maritime companies, international organizations, and government authorities, and regulatory measures should be taken. Psychosocial support programs should be developed with all stakeholders to support the psychological health of seafarers, and the working environment should be improved to reduce job stress. Additionally, a multi-stakeholder approach should be adopted to identify the factors affecting the psychological health of seafarers and implement fair financial practices.