Seafarers are being discouraged from reporting health concerns at an early stage due to limited onboard medical confidentiality, rather than any reluctance to speak up, according to Marine Medical Solutions (MMS).
The company says access to private medical support at sea remains restricted, with most crew required to report issues through senior officers before speaking to a doctor. This process can result in sensitive health information being shared with multiple non-medical personnel.
“Seafarers today are more aware of their health than ever before,” Dr Jens Tülsner, chief executive of MMS and member of the OneCare Group.
“They pay attention to symptoms and understand the importance of getting help early.”
He explained that younger seafarers in particular are accustomed to seeking health information privately online before deciding whether to escalate concerns. “This is not about resilience or unwillingness to cope, but reflects how people engage with health information today,” he said.
However, onboard structures can deter early reporting. According to MMS, responses vary widely depending on leadership, with some captains escalating issues promptly while others attempt to manage them internally. This inconsistency leaves crew uncertain about how their concerns will be handled.
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As a result, minor symptoms are often downplayed or self-managed, increasing the risk of conditions worsening over time. MMS warns this can pose avoidable risks to both individual seafarers and vessel operations.
“If we want seafarers to feel comfortable coming forward, we must first give them the confidence that their concerns will be handled with the utmost discretion,” Dr Tülsner said.
