Experience in Developing and Implementing Wellness Programs for Marine Transport Workers

Introduction: Health of crew members of maritime vessels is largely determined by factors of the ship environment causing stress and tension of adaptive systems, disruption of regulatory functions, and the development of dysfunctional manifestations, all leading to health and workability deterioration in seafarers. Objectives: To study working conditions and catering and to conduct psychological surveys of crew members of marine cargo ships in order to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace wellness program. Materials and methods: The study involved 342 male crew members of transport refrigerated vessels of the Far Eastern Federal District. Hygienic assessment of working conditions and occupational risks was carried out in accordance with Russian Guidelines R 2.2.2006–05 and R 2.2.3969–23. Actual nutrition was evaluated using the frequency method and the 24-hour playback technique. Psychodiagnostic assessment of the mental (emotional) state of sailors was performed using common techniques. Results: We established class 2 working conditions and related moderate workplace risks for the command staff and class 3 harmful working conditions for the deck department and engine room crews posing high (intolerable) occupational risks. The diet of the crew members was found to be imbalanced. We developed a 14-day healthy and balanced meal plan and proposed calculations of the required food products and cooking techniques in compliance with the recipes. We established dysfunctional conditions in sailors, including fatigue and sleep disorders (74.3 ± 3.12 %), a tendency towards anxiety-depressive disorders (15.6 ± 0.61 %), low energy potential and activity, poor resistance to stress, negative emotional experiences, and emotional blunting and compiled personal recommendations for regulating the emotional state and enhancing the level of stress tolerance. Conclusions: A set of health promotion measures representing a corporate wellness program for crew members of refrigerated transport vessels in the Far Eastern Federal District has been substantiated, developed, and proposed for practical application.