THE MAINTENANCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH OF FEMALE SAILORS IN MERCHANT SHIPPING

Many shipping companies encourage women to be represented in maritime industry by offering them training and support programs. However, research studies confirm that low percentage of presence of women on ships is related to hard and dangerous work negatively affecting health and psychological condition. The results of original survey demonstrated that specifics of working on ship and lack of communication with relatives have extremely negative effect on emotional state of female crew members. However, it is established that all things being equal, women are more at risk of development of depressive condition as compared to men, which is conditioned by both physiological and social cultural factors. The main causes of stress and depression among female seamen are considered. The impact of stressful situations on human body are considered. The recommendations targeted to preserving psychological health of female seamen in order to ensure comfortable working conditions on board are proposed.