ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Asian Institute of Maritime Studies

Pasay City

COPING MECHANISM AMONG FILIPINO DECK RATINGS ON BOARD

SHIP

A Thesis Presented to the Department of School of Maritime Affairs,

Asian Institute of Maritime Studies - Marine Transportation
Pasay City

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Course

Research and Report Writing (ENG 323)

By:

Custodio, Allan Junior, DP.

Sept 2022
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

APPROVAL SHEET

This Thesis “COPING MECHANISM AMONG FILIPINO DECK RATINGS ON

BOARD SHIP” prepared and submitted by Custodio, Allan Junior, DP. in partial
fulfilment of requirements for the course, research, and Report Writing (ENG323),
has been examined and is recommended for acceptance and approval of ORAL
EXAMINATION.

JEANE MARIE H. GALERO 

Adviser

PANEL OF EXAMINERS

Approved by the Committee on Oral Examination with a grade of .

________________ _______________

Panelist Panelist

________________

Chairman

Accepted and approved in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the course
Research and Report Writing (ENG323)

Date: __________

Academic Director
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, the researcher would like to thank the Almighty God for granting

him the grace of wisdom and determination to pursue this course Bachelor of

Science Marine Transportation as well as the blessings he receives since birth up to

this present time.

He would also like to thank the following person for their support and

assistance in completing this research.

To his thesis adviser, Professor Jeane Marine H. Galero, for her guidance,

advice, and suggestions that helped the researcher finish this study;

To his beloved parents. Allan Custodio and Criselda Custodio, for their love,

untiring support, and for being always around that inspired the researcher to

accomplish this work;

To the members of the panel who unselfishly shared their expertise to

improve the quality of this thesis;

To the respondents, who shared their valuable experiences and be a part of

this research; and to everyone who became a part of the researcher’s journey in

writing this thesis.

Thank you very much.

The researcher
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ABSTRACT

The study identified the effects of motivations and interests of seafarers to

their overall performance on board. The specific questions asked in the study were

as followed (1) What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of: a.

Age; b. Number of years as a Seafarer’ and c. Status (2) What are the coping

mechanisms applied by Filipino deck ratings in terms of: a. Fatigue; b.

Loneliness/Separation from Family (3) What are the negative effects not being able

to cope with the challenges on board by Filipino Deck ratings in terms of their job

performance?

The research design utilized in the study is the Qualitative methods. Qualitative

methods are applicable to studies that involve relationships between individuals,

individual and their environments, and motives that drive individual behavior and

action. The purpose of this study is to help future seafarers to be prepared about on

how they can cope emotional and psychological stress that may encounter on board

ship. The Respondents of the study will be selected seafarers and still working on

board ship. Target number of respondents will be 10 seafarers who will be

interviewed.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title ……………………………….…………………………………… i
Approval Sheet …………………………………………………………. ii
Acknowledgement ………………………………………….……….iii
Abstract .................................................................................. iv
Table of Contents ……………………………………………….... v
List of Tables ...................................................................... vi

Chapter 1. The Problem and Its Background

Introduction ……………………………………………... 1
Background of the Study ………………………………...
Statement of the Problem …………………………....... 2
Significance of the Study …………………………....... 3
Conceptual Framework …………………………....... 3
Scope and the Limitation of the Study ....……...... 4
Definition of Terms ……………………………………... 4

Chapter 2. Review of Related Literature and Studies

Related Studies ……………………………….......... 5
Related Literature ………………………………........... 6

Chapter 3. Methodology
Research Design ……………………………….......... 8
Locale of the Study ……………………………………. 9
Research Subject …………………………………...… 9
Research Instrument ……………………….......... 9
Validation of Instrument …………………………….... 11
Data Gathering Procedure ………………........... 11
Data Processing ……………………………... 11

References ……………….…………………………………..… 12
Appendices
Certificate of Validation ……………………………... 13
Letter for Request for Interview ………………….... 14
Sample Questionnaire………………………………...… 15
Researcher’s Curriculum Vitae …………………...… 16
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Demographic profile of the respondents
Table 1.1 Age
Table 1.2 Sex
Table 1.3 Years On board

FIGURES
Figure 1 Conceptual Framework
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CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

This chapter presents the introduction, background of the study, statement of

the problem, significance of the study, theoretical framework, conceptual framework,

scope and limitation of the study, and definition of terms.

Introduction

Being seafarer is one of the most critical jobs in the world. Lot of Filipinos

who’s taking this job is facing some problems that affect their whole career life

(Prisno III, 2011). The world’s seafarers can be seen as one of the primarily

international and global workforces, comprising of individuals from regions as

geographically and culturally diverse such as Western Europe, Russia, India, South

America and Philippines. They are seafarers work on a range of different vessels,

operating different trades, with a diverse range of work conditions. However, one

thing that these individuals have in common because in their work requires

prolonged separation from their home and families, separations that are often

characterized by occasional opportunities for communication. As such, seafaring

may be seen as more that an occupation, rather a lifestyle-a lifestyle that involves a

consistent series of partings and reunions with associated transitions from shore-

based life to the unique work environment of the ship, inevitably, it is a lifestyle that

will impact dramatically on both seafarers and their families (Thomas, et al., 2010).

To become one of the future seafarers, acknowledge that many of seafarers

do not know the exact reasons why they choose to become a future seafarer. Some
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seafarers choose to be a part of industry because they heard seafarer make a lot of

money but they do not know what the problems which they may encounter on board.

Researchers aim to help those interested in the industry and help them to think

wisely before they joined in the industry. The purpose of this study is to help both

seafarers and future seafarers like the researchers. Moreover, this research focusing

on the question how seafarers do problem solve. It is also conducted by the

researchers to spread important information to the people involved and not involved

in this industry.

This research is limited on Filipino seafarers. Both international and

local seafarers are included to the study. The study focuses on the common

problems that Filipino seafarers are facing in terms of work. This study covers the

relationship between demographic profile of the respondents and their common

problems on board the ship. The study does not cover other nationality.

Background of the Study

Hans Selye firstly introduced the term “stress” into the health psychology

language in 1926. Although the term “stress” is a household word, Selye actually

used the descriptive term “strain” to denote his concept, since it suggested structural

changes whereas stress emphasized external factors. To him “stress” consisted of

the “sum of all nonspecific changes (within an organism) caused by function or

damage” or, more simply “the rate of wear and tear in the body” (Selye, 1956).

Then, from Hans Selye’s starting point, researchers used the term “stress” in the

index of psychological abstracts in 1944 (Lazarus and Folkman, 1984). Some

writers, like Pollock in 1988, argued that the use of the term “stress” is relatively
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

recent. But she suggested that although it was used to some extent throughout the

19th century and was loosely associated with ill health, it is only in the last few

decades that it has really become an established term. Newton (1995), however,

disagreed that the term is of recent origin, having found definitions of stress in the

Oxford English Dictionary, which are very close to our present understanding of the

term, dating back to the 16th and 17th century. Nevertheless, there seems to be a

general consensus that popularity of the concept gained ground from the Second

World War on wards (Kugelmann, 1992; Newton, 1995)

Theoretical Frameworks

The method used by Lazarus and Folkman was based on specific efforts,

both behavioral and psychological, that people employ to master, tolerate, reduce, or

minimize stressful events. Their method was very clear; they had distinguished

between the two general coping strategies: problem-solving strategies are efforts to

do something active to alleviate stressful circumstances, whereas emotion-focused

coping strategies involve efforts to regulate the emotional consequences of stressful

or potentially stressful events. Therefore, researcher concludes that coping has two

major functions: dealing with the problem that is causing the distress (problem-

focused coping) and regulating emotion (emotion-focused coping). Obviously,

Problem-focused coping is the use of specific activities getting the task

accomplished, whereas emotion-focused coping is the use of activities to feel better

about the task. If the students applied for instant the method of problem-focused

coping for a task that was beyond their accomplishment, they would only frustrate

themselves and become distressed. Given such an impossible task, they would do
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better to joke about it, or discuss their feelings with a friend. Conversely, if a task can

be accomplished but they are uncertain by joking and partying with friends, they are

employing emotion-focus coping when they should have engaged in activities to get

the task done. According to Lazarus and Folkman, problem focused coping includes

confrontative Coping, Seeking Social Support, plan full Problem-Solving, and

Seeking Social Support. Whereas, emotion focused coping includes Self-Control.

Statement of the Problem

The study will determine the coping mechanisms applied by Filipino deck ratings in

some of the challenges faced on board as basis for Work Life Balance.

Generally, the herein problem is about the coping mechanisms of Filipino

deck ratings.

Specifically, the following questions are included to add justification to this study. A

survey shall be conducted among seafarer respondents.

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1 Age

1.2 Number of years as a seafarer

1.3 Status

2. What are the coping mechanisms applied by Filipino deck ratings in terms

of:

2.1 Fatigue
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2.2 Loneliness / Separation from Family

3. What are the negative effects not being able to cope with the challenges

on board by Filipino deck ratings in terms of their job performance?

Significance of the Study

This study shall be significant to the following:

The Filipino Deck Ratings. They can be able to apply various means of
coping mechanisms in different situations on board.

The Maritime Industry. The maritime industry can help in the alleviation of
challenges being encountered by Filipino deck ratings on board by providing
interventions and other programs that might be helpful for them.

The Families of the Filipino Deck Ratings. The families of seafarers must
be able to fully support their seafarer member of the family to be able to go through
all the challenges with courage and resiliency at all times.
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CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

COPING MECHANISM AMONG FILIPINO DECK RATINGS

Fatigue / Work Enough / Rest Relaxed Feeling

STRESS Sleep Readiness to

Work

Loneliness / Communicate Constant

Separation from using Internet Communication
Family can relieve
loneliness

Figure 1.

Scope and Limitation of the study

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This study focuses on coping mechanism of Filipino deck ratings onboard

ships. There were Ten (10) respondents involved in this study, they are all seafarers

who already have experience on board ships.

Definition of Terms

ANXIETY a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent

event or something with an uncertain outcome.

BEHAVIOR the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others.

BULLYING seeks to harm, intimidate, or coerce (someone perceived as vulnerable).

COGNITIVE ABILITIES relating to, being, or involving conscious intellectual activity

(such as thinking, reasoning, or remembering) cognitive impairment

DEPRESSION feelings of severe despondency and dejection.

EMOTIONS a natural instinctive state of mind deriving from one's circumstances,

mood, or relationships with others.

HARASSMENT aggressive pressure or intimidation.

MULTINATIONALITY including or involving several countries or individuals of

several nationalities.
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CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents relevant literature and studies to the studies.

Related Legal Bases

MARITIME LABOUR CONVENTION, 2006 PREAMBLE Maritime Labour

Convention, 2006 The General Conference of the International Labour Organization,

Having been convened at Geneva by the Governing Body of the International

Labour Office, and having met in its Ninety-fourth Session on 7 February 2006, and

Desiring to create a single, coherent instrument embodying as far as possible all up-

to-date standards of existing international maritime labour Conventions and

Recommendations, as well as the fundamental principles to be found in other

international labour Conventions, in particular: – the Forced Labour Convention,

1930 (No. 29); – the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize

Convention, 1948 (No. 87); – the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining

Convention, 1949 (No. 98); – the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100);

– the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105); – the Discrimination

(Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111); – the Minimum Age

Convention, 1973 (No. 138); – the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

(No. 182); and Mindful of the core mandate of the Organization, which is to promote

decent conditions of work, and Recalling the ILO Declaration on Fundamental

Principles and Rights at Work, 1998, and Mindful also that seafarers are covered by

the provisions of other ILO instruments and have other rights which are established

as fundamental rights and freedoms applicable to all persons, and Considering that,

Given the global nature of the shipping industry, seafarers need special protection,

and Mindful also of the international standards on ship safety, human security and

quality ship management in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at

Sea, 1974, as amended, the Convention on the International Regulations for

Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended, and the seafarer training and

competency requirements in the International Convention on Standards of Training,

Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended, and 16x24cmE

Page 1 Monday, April 10, 2006 1:51 PM 2 Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

Recalling that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982, sets out

a general legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be

carried out and is of strategic importance as the basis for national, regional and

global action and cooperation in the marine sector, and that its integrity needs to be

maintained, and Recalling that Article 94 of the United Nations Convention on the

Law of the Sea, 1982, establishes the duties and obligations of a flag State with

regard to, inter alia, labour conditions, crewing and social matters on ships that fly its

flag, and Recalling paragraph 8 of article 19 of the Constitution of the International

Labour Organization which provides that in no case shall the adoption of any

Convention or Recommendation by the Conference or the ratification of any

Convention by any Member be deemed to affect any law, award, custom or

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agreement which ensures more favorable conditions to the workers concerned than

those provided for in the Convention or Recommendation, and Determined that this

New instrument should be designed to secure the widest possible acceptability

among governments, ship-owners and seafarers committed to the principles of

decent work, that it should be readily updateable and that it should lend itself to

effective implementation and enforcement, and Having decided upon the adoption of

certain proposals for the realization of such an instrument, which is the only item on

the agenda of the session, and Having determined that these proposals shall take

the form of an international Convention; adopts this twenty-third day of February of

the year two thousand and six the following Convention, which may be cited as the

Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.

Related Foreign Literature

5 Behavioral Techniques or Seafarers to Reduce Stress at Sea

At times, life at sea could prove extremely challenging for individuals working

on board ships, away from their loved ones. A long distance relationship with the

families, limited access to social life and increased physiological and psychological

pressure can often lead to health hazards or lack of interest at work. This on the

whole, affects the general well-being of the seafarers which could be a driving factor

leading to mental disparity between team members. Some of the main stress

escalators are considered to be lack of motivation to perform the job, repetitive work

responsibilities, working with seafarers of different nationalities, excessive or

insufficient duties, job shifts, etc. those which eventually result in serious health
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

hazards. If you are someone who has faced many or most of these above factors

while onboard, then read on to know some of the psychological methods by which

stress could be reduced while working at sea.

Eliminate the Rat Race Mentality

This is probably one of the main aggregators for stress amongst seafarers. It

often happens that, while discussing work, people talk about being in a rat race as if

it’s the way of life. Seafarers, often get overwhelmed when they frequently “shuffle

between companies”, or are waiting since ages to get moved up the ranks and even

by discussing salaries/wages in general. It is believed to be as a fact of life with no

escape from it. It is somehow easily noticeable, that individuals who are in constant

rat race are very easily bothered, get intimidated, feel jealous or irritated, become

submissive and are extremely unhappy with their sea careers. To eliminate such

thought processes, seafarers have to proactively search for a positive take in every

experience, be it by taking a hit in their salaries/wages when the company or even

when the maritime industry in general is going through a bad phase. It completely

depends on our mind and how can we control it, what aspects are we focusing on

and how our experiences are characterized. For example, if we constantly fall into

arguments and conflicts amongst our subordinates or seniors at work it will not only

affect our performance but could also prove to be mentally exhaustive. However, the

same situation might turn positive if we try and learn from our mistakes and face up

to the subordinates with a different view and solve the problem. Implementing a

positive thought process and eliminating the rat race mentality, will certainly help
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

seafarers in perceiving things differently and motivate to find opportunities in every

situation.

Implementing Effective Listening as a Tool to Reduce Stress:

Effective listening is considered as one of the most important components in

personal as well as professional life. However, it is also a weakness for most of us

seafarers, and enhancing this skill even the slightest ways possible could certainly

prove a lot more beneficial. This not only benefits our work culture in general but

also is a great tool to use to build relationships and better one’s performance. Let us

take a moment and think about our own listening skills and ask ourselves if we ‘truly’

listen to our co-seafarers? Do we let someone speak their thoughts first or do we

interrupt them incessantly? Do we finish sentences for others? Or are we calm and

approachable in meetings? Don’t all these questions in themselves sound stressful?

There are many reasons why effective listening could prove stress reducing. Firstly,

individuals who are good listeners are highly respected and admired. There is a

certain feel-good factor when you come across such individuals. It helps you

become a better person by solving conflicts smoothly and encourages hearing

before speaking strategy. It acts as a self-infused solution to the pestering

inconsistencies onboard.
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Stop Procrastinating:

Being one of the most powerful attributes towards increasing stress is

‘Procrastination’. Before we learn how to avoid procrastination, let’s think about what

it actually is. Do we ever delay watching TV/Internet, taking tea breaks between

work timings, or even calling up home via a satellite system? Of course not! We

don’t procrastinate what we enjoy doing. It therefore, becomes clear to us that there

is absolutely no thrill in delaying the shipboard tasks such as when completing

monthly paperwork, overhauling a machinery , carrying out PMS or finishing a

related project by waiting until the deadline. It not only puts more stress on an

individual but might also make them feel ‘worthless’ should they not finish it within

the deadline. It becomes a constant variance of wanting to delay the work and doing

it at the right time. However, there may be times when one finds it difficult to focus at

work. Seafarers often land up in such situations. The only way out of this could be by

incorporating rewards for oneself when each task is completed. It could be anything

from going on a shore leave and splurging on all the good experiences one wanted

to have, to being motivated by planning ahead a vacation with your loved ones after

signing off the ship. It could be anything positive, as long as it gets the work done

and in time.

Don’t let negativity of other colleagues affect you:

It is a fact, and many seafarers fail to understand the concept. A lot of times it

may so happen that you would come across a bunch of negatively influenced

individuals right at the beginning of your day. In general, such people do not have a
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hold on their moods. But what can change such situations, is how you chose to

respond to it. Telling your mind or rather training it to consider the positive things that

one could think of at that moment is a blessing in disguise. Empathizing with the

other person and telling yourself that maybe they had a bad day today, or just letting

it go saying ‘I’ll focus on my day instead of spending my energy on feeling bad about

others’ actions. Whatever the reason, you don’t want to deal with it today and not let

your day or critical work get affected because of it. Unfortunately, if you ever find

yourself in such a situation, take your time; think about it before instead of just

reacting. If you feel a lot of pressure, find a way to vent it out. Take a 15-minute

break from work and utilize this time to do the things that you like. Maybe listen to

music, grab a cuppa, meditate or talk to someone close to you. It will not be easy at

first but things will start falling in place once you get to see the results and lead you

to complete the tenure on a positive note.

Avoid letting your Ego come in your way:

Let’s start with the very beginning of it all. What you basically need to know is

that ‘Ego’ is part of your personality. For example, rigid beliefs claimed onboard and

hoarding out as ‘I am the Captain of the Ship, I’m always correct’ or ‘I am the Bosun,

do as I say’ are self-contravening in every sense of the word in an industry

where only teamwork means success. Yes, you are what you think, but you are also

much more than that. If someone preaches you anything new which violates what

you truly believe in, then that is what will make you resist it. Regardless of how

attached you are to yourself right now, the fact is, you, and your notion of you is
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highly illusory and fictitious. This feeling, most of the time restricts us to bring a

change within ourselves, so we tend to think that if we change our beliefs then the

world around us would collapse. But in reality, the world wouldn’t collapse, your ego

would. However, in return you might get to learn something new or adapt to

something new. Learning to differentiate between your ego and your consciousness

can help you immensely to alter your life. Acknowledge your ego and allow your

consciousness to decide what is right. This factor of accepting change without

having to struggle will keep you away from yourself destructive ego.

Related Local Literature

COPING MECHANISMS

1. Identify the strengths and skills that increase your confidence. Think of a

survival resource that helped you cope with a stressful experience in

the past.

2. Assess, recognize and develop your creative resources: talents, traits,

skills or competencies. What are your resources? Optimism, humor or

flexibility?

3. Evaluate your resources. Are they internal or external? Internal resources

refer to personality traits like humor, optimism, courage, flexibility,

spiritual connections or accountability. External resources can be

hobbies, activities, team or religious associations or social support.

4.Use cognitive reappraisal when evaluating a negative event. Notice the

negative thinking causing you emotional tension. It is mostly how we interpret

events that evokes negative emotions.

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5. Engage and interact with other people onboard. Do not isolate yourself

become interested in learning and engaging with your team mates.

6. Establish an open communication channel with somebody you trust to

discuss your difficulties or concerns.

7. Do not let negative emotions overtake you. When something bothers you,

address it immediately – don’t turn it into rage, sadness or resentment.

8. Be realistic about your expectations.

9. Be accountable for your actions.

10. Develop a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, maintaining a sleep

and rest schedule, exercising regularly and partaking in recreational

activities.

11. Keep a diary to note your thoughts and feelings.

12. Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

Mindfulness

Research shows that practicing mindful meditation on a daily basis reduces

stress and stress-related symptoms. Adverse experiences can interfere with our

ability to remain ‘present’, so we may find ourselves focusing on negative events,

painful memories or worrying about the future. When we find ourselves dwelling on

the past or painful memories, we are depriving ourselves of the necessary resources

to deal with the present. Mindfulness can help us discover the resources we need to

cope with stressful events in the present.

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Building on positive experiences can alleviate or ease the burden of stressful

and difficult moments.

Related Foreign Studies

Communication

According to the marine faculty of Istanbul Technical University (ITU) in these

days of global crews, a variety of languages may be used or alternatively one

working language adopted. Whichever is used, ships trading internationally must

manipulate ship to shore communications of language that can be understood as

navigational and safety communications must be correct and explicit to avoid

confusion and error. And in the world of international shipping, the chosen

international standard for achieving effective communication in working on board

and between ship and shore is the English language. A capable standard of English

is therefore not only an international requirement for certification of seafarers but

also a key element in ensuring safe at work, efficient in skills and beneficial ship

operations.

Health Issues

Meanwhile seafaring is a stressful occupation, with long hours and fatigue

often posing problems for crew. A lack of facilities for exercise, poor nutrition,

isolation and smoking and drinking can also spell bad news for onboard health, so

it’s important to take steps and stay well (International Transport workers’ Federation

2015). There are lots of diseases onboard that may affect the health of seafarers.

Seafarers may get Malaria. Malaria is life threatening disease transmitted by a

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

female Anopheles mosquito. Other disease is the HIV/AIDS and STI or transmitted

diseases. It is a disease transmitted due on direct contact from the source or carrier

such as doing an affair or sex.

Loneliness / Homesickness / Depression

Another problem encountered by the seafarers is depression, it is a factor that

may affect the seafarer’s health due on some other problems in workplace such as

harassment, discrimination, fatigue homesickness and

relationship onboard (International Transport workers’ Federation 2015). Meanwhile,

some challenges onboard affect seafarers.

Harassment / Bullying / Discrimination

According to study of Hebding (2013), one of the challenges is Harassment.

This problem become as challenge in between or among crew members or officers

in the ship which is necessary. Sexual harassment is also rampant when there are

only very few females on board ships and the males do not have anyone to deal with

except them, (International Transport Workers Federation 2015). On the other hand,

Hebding (2013) said that one of the challenges that Filipino seafarer may encounter

in workplace is discrimination. It may be part of the behavior of people who have

strong prejudices. It may be the result of social or cultural expectations, customs, or

laws. For example, a foreign Chief Mate may not have any personal malice or

animosity against Filipino seafarers but still may refuse to work with them because

he believes their presence may hurt them. In other issue, Hardworking can cause
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

another problem that Filipino seafarer may encounter onboard. In line for being a

hardworking of Filipino seafarers, they encountered some problems such as fatigue.

According to Smith, Allen et al., (2009)

Salary / Wages

Other problem that seafarers encounter onboard is about Salary/wages.

According to International Transport workers’ Federation (ITF 2015) each year, crew

members on about 1,500 ships complain to the International Transport workers’

Federation, the employer is unwilling or unfit to pay their income. While most crew

got their salary in the end, there are some who are never paid, and some who have

to wait months or years for a final compensation of their outstanding wages. The

ship owners concerned use bullying tactics, promises of future payment, or small

advances on the total amount outstanding in order to try to maintain the operation of

their ship with the smallest possible investment.

Severely, manning agents are often involved in also trying to get crew to continue to

work unpaid. They do nothing to help if there are problems, and will not normally

help crew who have not been paid, even if the crew concerned have paid them for

the privilege of working on board the ship in the first place which is illegal. But today

seafarers have secured a minimum wage increase following

recent talks at the International Labor Organization (ILO). The sub- committee on

wages of seafarers of the joint maritime commission agreed to increase the ILO

monthly minimum wage from USD585 to USD592 from January 1, 2015. On January

1, 2016 the salary will increase to USD614. At this rate the wage increase is
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

expected to benefit some 80,000 to 90000 Filipino seafarers currently working in

foreign vessels, (Manila Bulletin 2015).

On Board Relationship

In other study by Independent Traveler, Inc. (2015), entertaining onboard

relationship is like fast-forwarding on human’s dreams. And time passes quickly that

every second counts. On land, relationships are considered normal with slow

growing development; on the ship, it is accelerated. If you are compatible, directly

move. For some who have never been expend with such attention, it can all be

somewhat overwhelming. It takes willpower and strength to cleave to your priorities.

Often, staff romance is filled with pratfalls, Shakespeare’s classic Montagues and

Capulets says that affairs can become variations or Hatfield’s and McCoy’s says it is

more contemporary. Flaunting a relationship is not required, it is neither diplomatic

nor, in some case, safe in such restricted surroundings. Relationship onboard is

another factor which can lead to be a problem in work on board. It affects the

working ability and mentality of seafarer like Family problems. Conflict on

relationship in work can lead on avoiding each other (because of shame, hatred and

etc.), (Tornaszunas, 2011).

Lack of Recreation on Board

Meanwhile as seafarer today, with intent to feel refreshed and relaxed. They

lead to have recreation. According to Alborote, et al. (2013), Recreation is a break

from monotony and a diversion from the daily routine. It is a positive change from the

stereotypical lifestyle and involves an active participation in entertaining activities

that one engages in something he likes. They are a source of joy and they provide
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

relaxation to one’s mind and body. There are so many recreations onboard like vices

(such as casino, playing cards on cabin, drinking much alcohol) and sometimes

renting girls/prostitutes. Calling of nature is hard to revert. Some of seafarers

especially those single in civil status having sex with beautiful girls is not new even

sometimes it causes so expensive. But other seafarers make recreation as habit. By

doing recreation as habit, seafarers cannot monitor their responsibilities and it

became a big problem in the workplace which can lead on sending home.

Work Life Balance

Beside those challenges every seafarer should have their work life balance.

Work life balance is a concept including proper prioritizing between "work" and

"lifestyle". This also shows how well a person could balance his/her their time in

work and at home spending time with their family and how they can release all the

stress from work the core of an effective work life balance this are achievement and

enjoyment; this are the two key everyday concepts that are relevant to each of us

ideas almost deceptive in their simplicity. Work life balance is a term that some

people use on how they can balance their work and life with or without families this

how well they can manage their time spending it to their family or in their work

(Schadel, 2010)

Related Studies

Local

Lack of communication with the outside world

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Away from home between six months to a year, unable to see family and

often with limited access to the internet to use communication platforms such as

Skype or WhatsApp to keep in contact with loved ones: times can be very tough on

a vessel and feelings of loneliness and isolation can soon start to creep in.

In this day and age, it’s hard to believe that internet access is not readily available

across the globe, but Seafarers’ Trust recently reported that as many as 77 percent

of seafarers have their internet access strictly limited, or have no access to internet

whilst offshore at all. Could lack of communication with the outside world be to

blame for the large numbers of seafarers suffering with mental health concerns.

Physical demands: tiredness kills!

It’s often said that seafaring is a physically demanding occupation. Nowhere

has this been better expressed than by the International Maritime Health Association

when it says, “It has been established that seafaring is one of the most physically

demanding professions in one of the most dangerous work environments: the sea.”

The fact that there is global evidence of misreported working hours on vessels,

shows how cultural and commercial pressures are universally shared. Many

seafarers blame the demands of split shift patterns for the high levels of fatigue they

experience offshore, but whatever the cause one thing’s for sure, fatigue is strongly

linked to mental health problems and is considered one of the greatest contributing

factors to mental illness.

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Social isolation compounded by quick turnaround times in port

It’s been said that an increase in social isolation, compounded by quick

turnaround times in port, can make a seafarer’s life very similar to that of a jailed

inmate: the ship becoming a floating prison. As a result, and very sadly, depression,

psychotic breakdown, and even suicide is relatively common, documented real-life

consequences that result from social isolation of vulnerable crew.

The rise of multinational crews: making it difficult to form a strong bond

The majority of shipping companies employ multinational crew, which

introduces its own set of problems such as the language barrier and group formation

leading to cultural isolation. Reduced common language and shared culture means

that it’s becoming more difficult for crews to communicate with each other in a

meaningful way. The happiness and mental welfare of a crew often depends on how

well they get on and work together and if there are language barriers and a lack of

shared cultural references, it can be very difficult for crews to form a strong bond.

Sadly, as a result there’s less familiarity working together and it’s less likely that

crew feel that they ‘know’ their colleagues.

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Reduced crew numbers lead to increased physical and psychological stress

The reducing number of crew members onboard ships is generally seen as

the main reason for increased levels in physical and psychological stress offshore: a

major contributor to mental health problems. More than ever before, crew are

become mentally and physically exhausted from their workload.

work related stress offshore can soon escalate, with common contributing factors,

including; the demands of the job; the level of control seafarers has over their work;

the support received from management and colleagues; relationships at work; the

seafarers’ role in the organization; and change and how it is managed, all playing

their part.

Drug and alcohol abuse: influencing behavior and emotions AND a serious

safety hazard

Over the last few years, we have seen an alarming increase in the number of

accidents at sea in which drugs have been a causative factor. In some areas of the

world and on certain types of vessel drug abuse is becoming a serious safety

hazard.

Alcohol and drugs influence behavior and emotions and are therefore a major

contributor to mental health problems. People under their influence react differently,

cannot focus and concentrate and are not able to perform complex tasks

adequately, which also poses serious safety risks on vessels. What about when
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

seafarers aren’t working? Some people might argue that that the use of drugs whilst

on leave is no business of the ship owner, operator or employer, but this argument

does not stand. Why? Well, it’s been proven that the majority of drugs have long

term effects which continue long after the drugs were taken. It may also only be a

matter of time before the seafarer develops a taste for the drugs and decide to take

them when working too.

Bullying and harassment: experienced by almost 50% of seafarers!

Bullying and harassment at sea can have serious consequences for the

physical and emotional health of a ship’s crew, such as decreased motivation,

increased absenteeism and a fall in productivity. What’s more, bullying and

harassment can also have negative effects for the companies themselves,

resulting in a deterioration of working conditions with huge organizational, economic

and potential legal consequences too. Given the serious consequences of bullying

and harassment, it’s shocking that according to research carried out by Nautilus

International, almost 50% of seafarers have personally experienced bullying,

harassment or discrimination at sea: this is a common problem.

Harassment and bullying can take a wide variety of forms, ranging from

verbal aggression, ill-treatment, cyber-bullying or sexual discrimination through to

various forms of physical aggression resulting in serious injuries. Aggression may

take the form of body language, intimidation, contempt or disdain. While the physical

effect of harassment and bullying is fairly easy to identify on account of the obvious
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

external signs, the same cannot be said of the emotional effects of harassment and

bullying which are often denied or distorted. Enhancing the problem, there’s

evidence to show that a large number of seafarers who’ve experienced bullying or

harassment, don’t feel able to make a complaint, for fear that it wouldn’t be taken

seriously.

Criminalization

The ‘criminalization of seafarers’ is used as a blanket term to describe the

treatment of seafarers in the investigation and prosecution of maritime incidents.

Arguably the most well-known case of criminalization of ship’s officers is the case of

the tanker Hebei Spirit. Whilst at anchor in the Yellow Sea, the vessel was struck by

an uncontrolled crane barge that collided and punctured three oil tanks. This caused

a release of 12,547 kiloliters of oil, which hit nearby beaches ten days later. Master

Jasprit Chawla and Chief Officer Syam Chetan were cleared of any wrongdoing at

their first trial, but were kept in jail while the prosecutors appealed. A second trial

found them guilty and sentenced them to three years in prison and a fine of $22,530.

They finally returned to their homes in India after the case was dismissed and they

had been in custody for 18 months. With many cases like this occurring, seafarers

often describe that they ‘live in fear’ of being held responsible for an incident at sea

and harbour feelings of anxiety in relation to the investigation and prosecution

process that may ensue. This growing problem is a well-known contributing factor to

the mental health issues in seafarers.

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Justification of the Study

Psychosocial risks in the workplace

In the past, the work environment has been examined through key

dimensions of job quality such as career development, non-discrimination, flexibility

and security. Three major forces have led to significant changes in the world of work

in industrialized countries over past decades: demographic shifts, increased

economic globalization and rapid technological change. These changes have

affected health and safety at work and contributed to the emergence of many

psychosocial risks. 

Psychosocial risks described by the European Agency for Safety and Health

at Work have been found to affect seafarers more than most occupations. These

include differentiation in forms of employment contracts, job insecurity, work

intensification, high emotional demands at work and poor work–life balance. 

The agency has identified 12 psychosocial risks. 

One of the unique characteristics of seafarers is that while on board a vessel

they work, rest, collaborate and interact all within the same space and with the same

people. Hence, they lack the opportunity to relax and take some time out from a

person or situation that has stressed them. Work schedules that include long
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

working hours and shift work can leave them with the feeling that they are always at

work. Experts have identified several characteristics of physical environment (e.g.,

inadequate equipment availability, suitability or maintenance, lack of space, poor

lighting and excessive noise to be psychosocial risks that have the potential to cause

harm. There are various aspects of organizational culture which can be experienced

as stressful by workers which have the potential for harm. These include notably

poor communication, poor leadership and lack of definition of, or agreement on,

organizational objectives. Bad interpersonal relationships at work are recognized

psychosocial risks. These include: social or physical isolation, poor relationships with

superiors, interpersonal conflict, lack of support, and bullying, harassment, and

violence at work, especially on a vessel, where the people are confined on a limited

space and interact all the time with each other. These critical issues increase the

possibility of problematic relationships in seafarers’ professional and personal life.

Risk Management 

The effective management of these risks should be a priority for

policymakers, employers and employees. Managing and consequently preventing

psychosocial risks can ensure a healthier, smoother running, more productive and

safer working environment, where crises can be dealt with more easily and more

affectively.  In the E.U. alone the cost of accidents because of psychosocial risks

was estimated in 2010 at 25 billion euros, an amount that could be saved if

assessment and prevention measures had been taken. Therefore, proper measures

to prevent those psychological risks from escalating can be a great value for money

for the maritime industry.

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

One of the most practical models of risk management comprises the following

steps: 

   Identification of risks
   Assessment of the associated risk
    Design of reasonably practicable interventions
    Implementation of interventions
   Monitoring and evaluation of effectiveness of intervention 
    Feedback and reassessment of risk
    Review of information and training needs of employees

One of the essential drivers of continual improvement in the psychosocial

work environment is the assessment of psychosocial risk factors. This not only

includes the current mental and physical state of the examinee, but also risk factors

that could create a risk. This proper assessment is one of the cornerstones for

prevention and, essentially, to have a crew on a vessel that is fully functional, not

without problems, but with the necessary skills and abilities to effectively deal with

them.

Working on ships is not an easy task. Negligible social life, monotonous

routines, and harsh working conditions are some of the many difficulties faced by

seafarers on board ships. This leads to both physical and psychological stress.

Maximum of the shipping companies employ multinational crew, which brings along

its own set of problems such as language barrier, group formation etc. All these

factors along with the reducing number of crew members on board ships
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

have been one of the main reasons for increase in physical and psychological stress

on board ships. Needless to say, conflicts, politics, ego-clash etc. are bound to exist

among crew members. These problems further results into a variety of physical and

psychological problems among crew members. Some of the main ones are:

Lack of interest in work

Lack of motivation

Short temper

Careless mistakes while doing work

Tendency to take short cuts to finish work

Frustration

Lack of seriousness towards one’s duties and on-board safety

Tendency to blame juniors or colleagues for mistakes

Frequent absence from work place

Making professional mistakes 

Main reasons that lead to above mentioned problems are:

Shortage of man power because of less crew members

Frequent calling at port (Duties at port require most physical efforts and long

working hours)

Personal or family problems

Long working hours

Homesickness
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Not being relieved on time by the company

Work pressure

Unfriendly working environment

Differences of opinion/conflicts with colleagues

Unavailability of necessary provisions

Dissatisfied with company policy

Dissatisfied with quality of food

Rejected from promotion, salary or leave

Dissatisfied with facilities provided on board e.g., entertainment facilities

Long and uncertain working hours have been one of the main reasons of stress

on board ships. This leads to imbalance in human biological clock caused because

of lack of proper work and rest hours schedule.

Because of such continuous stress, seafarers are often seen resorting to

alcoholism and smoking in spite of company policies prohibiting use of such

elements.

Prolonged stage of frustration and stress can be extremely harmful to both

physical and mental health of seafarers. Continuous psychological stress can lead to

the following effects:

Repeating of the same mistakes

Reduced work efficiency

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Reclusive behavior

neglecting interaction with crew members/withdrawal symptoms

Refusal to follow instructions

Negligence towards duties

Making serious offences against law 

What needs to be done?

We must provide all seafarers with access to clinical professionals

when they’re offshore: to diagnose mental health problems early and to allow

on-going clinical engagement to track, advise and assess the condition of

those suffering with mental health issues.

The impact on the mental health of those working at sea is huge,

benefits include; increased patient engagement which enables the effective

monitoring of mental health concerns whilst offshore; better patient care

quality which is achieved through access to mental health clinical experts that

specialize in seafarer health; quicker and more convenient clinical access

which allows crew to have regular, scheduled as well as emergency mental

health consultations; a reduction in lost time through mental illness thanks to

early diagnosis and regular consultations to ensure the mental health of the

patient does not deteriorate; & improved crew retention due to proper and

thorough professional care delivered.

Early and consistently which dramatically decreases the chances of the

condition deteriorating and the crew member leaving employment.

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

What’s more, the solution dramatically reduces unnecessary patient

evacuations and ship diversions due to mental health concerns. In fact,

feedback from the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) on

telemedicine, outlines huge financial benefits to its use. According to their

study of 23,299 commercial ships with 420,000 crew members, one in five

ships are forced to divert due to crew illness each year and the average cost

per ship diversion is $180,000. In addition, their feedback suggests that it is

possible to obtain a 20 percent saving to the industry from the

deployment of telemedicine. If the prediction of the IMHA is correct, then this

will equate to an industry saving of $168 million per year.

Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter comprises the researchers research design, population and

sampling technique applied, data gathering procedure, and research instrument.

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Research Design

The researchers used the descriptive-phenomenology research design to

gather data and answer the specific problems of this study. Since this study involved

in depth inquiry on the motivation and interest of the respondents and its effect on

their overall performance, the researcher deemed that the best tool to gather data is

through interview.

Descriptive research aims to accurately and systematically describe a

situation or phenomenon (Mcombes, 2020).

Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data to

understand concepts, opinion and experiences (Bhandari, 2020).

Population, Sample and Sampling Technique

This study was limited to ten (10) seafarers who already experienced working

onboard.

The researcher utilized the purposive sampling method in choosing the

respondents for this study. Aside from the fact that they were the specific target of

the study who could provide reliable input, the data gathering was done during

pandemic, limited access to look for respondents to be a part of this study. Also, the

respondents were not limited to one company. This gave the researcher to have the

chance to include different seafarers from different companies to be a part of this

research.
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Research Instrument

The researcher designed a set of questions for interview in order to answer

the specific objectives of the study. There were two parts of the questionnaire. First

part inquired about the respondents’ profile and the second part has three main

questions for interview and each of the question was intended to gather data for

specific objectives.

Validation of Instrument

Upon drafting the interview questions, the researcher sought for the advice

and approval of the research authorities as part of the validation process.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researcher followed these following steps in gathering the needed data.

First, the researcher secured a letter asking permission to the respondents to

be included in the study. The letter includes the title, purpose, and the assurance of

the confidentiality of the study.

Second, the interview time and date were set, for the convenience of both

parties. The interview was done through Facebook messenger backed up with audio

video recorder.
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Last, the data gathered or the answers of the respondents to the interview

were categorized based on the questions in statement of the problem and

transcriptions were done in verbatim manner for reference purposes in writing and

presenting the results or findings.

Data Analysis

The researcher utilized thematic analysis to identify the patterns of concepts,

ideas, and answers of the respondents based from the interview questions.

Thematic analysis is a method of analyzing qualitative data. It is usually to a

set of texts, such as interview and transcripts. The researcher closely examines the

data to identify common themes – topics, ideas, and patterns of meanings, that

come up repeatedly (Caulfield, 20201).

Chapter 4

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

This chapter presents the tabulated data and narratives to answer the

statement of the problems, its analysis and interpretation as well.

Profile of the participants

Problem no. 1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

Table 1.1 presents the profile of the participants in terms of age, sex, position,

and number of years on board.

Table 4.1 Demographic profile of the respondents according to age.

Age f %

21-30 7 70%

30 - above 3 30%

Total 10 100%

In terms of age, 7 or 70% belong to the bracket 21-30 years old while 3 or 30%

belong to the bracket 30 years old and above.

Table 4.2 Demographic profile of the respondents according to sex.

Sex f %
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Female 1 10%

Male 9 90%

Total 10 100%

Table 1.2 shows the demographic profile of the respondents according to sex.

Data reveals that 90% were male and 10% were females.

Table 4.3 Demographic profile of the respondents according to years of

working on board

Years working f %

on board

2-10 years 6 60%

11-19 years 3 30%

20 years and 1 10%

above

Total 10 100%

Table 1.3 show the demographic profile of the respondents according to years

of working on board.
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

In terms of number of years working on board, 6 or 60% belong to the bracket of

2-10 years, 3 or 30% belong to the bracket of 11-19 years and the 1 or 10% belong

to the bracket of 20 years and above.

Problem no. 2 What are the coping mechanisms that you apply when you

experience fatigue on-board?

Table 1.4 Shows on how they managed fatigue on board.

Early rest after duty to gain more

Respondent A energy.

Respondent B

Calling my loved ones always removes

Respondent C my fatigue.

Used to sleep right after duty and taking

Respondent D vitamins.

Rest after work, drinking more water

Respondent E and eat on time.

Sleep right after duty and taking

Respondent F vitamins to have more strength.

Respondent G Enough sleep to have reserve energy

and eat on time to convert it from

energy.

Respondent H I always apply ointment to my body to

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

lessen fatigue and taking

medicine/vitamins to prevent fatigue.

Respondent I Early rest after duty, entertaining

himself and prevent drinking alcohol

Respondent J Drink less alcohol on-board, reducing

stress to boost energy and always

drinking plenty of water.

Table 1.4 Based on the response given by the respondents, their coping

mechanisms on-board. Its show that there is some similarities and differences in

each individual’s coping mechanism that they applied when experiencing fatigue on-

board. However, most of the answers that stands out is the enough sleep aspect. On

the part of the coping mechanism, it is evident that taking enough sleep is good

enough to manage fatigue on-board ship.

Problem no. 3 What are the coping mechanisms that you apply when you feel

lonely or when you are separated from your family?

Table 1.5 Shows the respondents’ coping mechanisms they applied when being

lonely or separated from their family.

Thinking happy things and checking out

Respondent A my family

Respondent B

Thinking happy thoughts, I shared with

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Respondent C them while on vacation and spending

my time learning new things.

I used to think that this is the nature of

my work.
Respondent D

Making improvise toys for my son to

Respondent E entertain myself and praying to God that

my family is always in safe condition
and keep focusing on my career and
goals in life.
Playing basketball with my colleagues

Respondent F and calling my family to check on them.

Playing board games with colleagues

Respondent G and calling my family to lessen my

I usually call my families to check up on

Respondent H them. Giving my attention to bridge

room and learn navigational
equipment’s.
Sharing my thoughts with my

Respondent I colleagues and to know them even

more. Exercising in our mini gym to
have a good figure and healthy lifestyle.
Always thinking that I’m doing this for

Respondent J my family and making myself busy.

Table 1.5 According to the response of the respondents based on their coping

mechanism they applied when they are lonely or separated from their families. This
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

only proves the reflection of good coping mechanism that somehow help them to

entertain themselves or avoid loneliness on board.

Problem no. 4 What are the negative effects not being able to cope with the

challenges on board by Filipino deck ratings in terms of their job

performance?

Table 1.6 Shows the effects not being able to cope with the challenges on board in

terms of their job performance.

Respondent A Not a productive job, someone might be

irritated to you and rest of your contract
you will find your job hard.

Respondent B

It gives you stress and anxiety.

Respondent C

Many like poor relation in work place,

Respondent D family issue, discrimination and bad

communication onboard.

Not open minded to what you are doing

Respondent E and it may cause you harm and others

onboard.
Loss of presence of mind and focus
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Respondent F to work.

Unhealthy eating, sleeping disturbance

Respondent G and weight gain

Not focusing on job orders and not able

Respondent H to think properly.

Negative thinking that may cause harm

Respondent I to you. Making mistakes

Loss of time management that may

Respondent J cause Insomnia. Being Heard. It takes

time to gain the trust of coworkers to get
them on board with your ideas.

Table 1.6 Based on the response of the respondents, seafarer’s not being able to

cope the challenges onboard have a negative effect on their performance onboard.

Being seafarer is one of the most critical jobs in the world. Lot of Filipinos who’s

taking this job is facing some problems that affect their whole career life (Prisno III,

2011).

Chapter 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

This chapter contains the summary of findings, conclusions and

recommendations of the study based on the results obtained and analyzed data

collected from the respondents of the study.

Summary of Findings
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

1. Demographic Profile of Respondents

a. Age

There are 10 respondents, where in 70% belong to the bracket 21-30 years

old, while, 30% belong to the bracket 30 years old, and above with the total of

100%

b. Gender

There are 10 respondents 10% or 1 is female and 90% or 9 are male.

c. Years working on board

There are 5 respondents 6 or 60% of them belong to the bracket between 2-

10 years, while 3 or 30% belong to the bracket of 11-19 years, and the remaining

1 or 10% belongs to 20 years and above.

2. What are the coping mechanisms that you apply when you experience
fatigue on-board?

Based on the gathered data, most of the answers that stands out is the enough
sleep/rest aspect. On the part of the coping mechanism, it is evident that taking
enough sleep is good enough to manage fatigue on-board ship.

2. What are the coping mechanisms that you apply when you feel lonely or

when you are separated from your family?

The response of the respondents to coping mechanism they applied when they feel

lonely or separated from their families

4. The effect of the respondents’’ motivation and interests on their overall

performance as a seafarer.
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

The answer given by the respondents with regard to the effect of interest and

motivation to their overall performance onboard reveals the positive effect which

pertains to good service and excellent output.

Conclusion

This study has a total respondent of (5) seafarers. Their experiences

disclosed the real world of the seafarers’ motivation and interest that affect their

performance on board. Their experiences provided information based on the specific

questions in expressed in the study.

Based on the findings of this research, the following conclusions were drawn.

1. Majority of the respondents were male. Their age bracket was from 20 years

old and above. Their years and working experiences vary from 2-3 years, 9-

11, and one 20 years. This only shows that despite of the different number of

years working onboard, the motivation and interest of the respondents fall

mostly from the same reasons.

2. The results from the interview explains how the stories of the participating

seafarers, point several similarities, such as the reason and motives why they

work on board. Their focus of financial success is one of the main reasons in

pursuing this job, and of course their financial stability. All of the respondents

wanted to achieve their dream for their family as well for themselves. Majority

of them answered money that motives them to work harder on board to

provide a better life for their families, while free travel and working experience

were the bases of their interests.

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

3. The respondents have a good relationship with their co-workers and

supervisors onboard. Their positive outlook and interest on their job paved

way to have a good rapport with other employees.

4. It can also be concluded that their motivation and interest strive them to work

harder. Their dealing with work became easier because it was in intrinsic

motivation on their part. To be able to do something that interest and motivate

them turns out to have a good effect on their performance, based on their

perspective of their own experiences, it was easier to deal with the challenges

of their work and excel in their performance.

Recommendations

Based on conclusion of this study, the researcher hereby recommends the

following:

1. On the basis of the motivations and interest, it is hereby recommended that

choosing to become a seafarer should have a deep sense of motivation and

interest that will become a good foundation in terms of becoming successful

in maritime industry. This is not only limited to material success, but also a

personal satisfaction that will propel the seafarers to do more and achieve

more, since their and interest and motivation will be their guiding light.

Parents and school should support intrinsic motivation because working

onboard is something that a seafarer should really like in order to be

motivated despite challenges. Families whoa re the main reasons of their

motivations should also be supportive in them in any possible way.

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

2. On the basis of dealing with co-workers onboard, the researcher recommends

that the positive results if this study may serve as an inspiration for others,

especially to the future seafarers, that respect, working hard, and doing your

best to deal with people from different culture will give you a good and

harmonious relationship in your workplace, which is also a huge factor in your

career.

3. Being optimistic in work is also important to achieve good performance. When

a seafarer has interest and motivation in doing what he loves most, difficulty

becomes challenges rather than destructions, therefore it is recommended to

always have a positive disposition at work because this will always result to

good performance onboard.

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passenger ships. Int J Public Health 2009; 54:96–105.10.

Oldenburg M, Baur X, Schlaich C.Occupational risks and challenges of seafaring.

J Occup Health 2010; 52: 249–256.11.

Parker AW, Hubinger LM, Green S et al.

A survey of the health,stress and fatigue of Australian seafarers. Australian
MaritimeSafety Authority, Canberra 1997.8.

Salyga J, Kusleikaite M.Factors influencing psycho emotional strain and fatigue,

and relationship of these factors with health com-plaints at sea among
Lithuanian seafarers. Medicina (Kaunas)2011; 47: 675–681.12.

Shultz DP, Shultz S.Psychology and challenges of the present-daywork. PWN,

Warszawa 2002.6.

Wadsworth EJ, Allen PH, Wellens BT et al.Patterns of fatigue among seafarers

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

during a tour of duty. Am J Ind Med 2006; 49:836–844.13.

Appendix 1
Sample Survey Questionnaires

Survey Questionnaire

The herein researcher decides to conduct a survey that would justify the veracity of

the information gathered from the research references. The survey shall be done
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

using questionnaires which the researcher thinks to be necessary for additional

information.

Part 1 Demographic Profile of the Respondents

• Name (optional)_______________________________________

• Age

󠄁 21 – 25 󠄁 46 - 50
󠄁 26 - 30 󠄁 51 – 55
󠄁 31 – 35 󠄁 56 – 60
󠄁 36 – 40 󠄁 61 - 65
󠄁 41 – 45 󠄁 66 and above

• Number of Experience Years at Sea

󠄁 2 years and below 󠄁 13 – 17 years

󠄁 3- 5 years 󠄁 18 – 20 years
󠄁 6 – 8 years 󠄁 21 – 23 years
󠄁 9 – 10 years 󠄁 24 – 25 years
󠄁 11 - 12 years󠄁 󠄁 25 years above

Part 2 . Interview Questions:

1. How do you manage fatigue on-board?

2. What do you do if you feel lonely or separated from your family?

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

3. What are the negative effects of not being able to bear those challenges on-board

in terms of your job performance?

Asian Institute of Maritime Studies

Pasay City

September 1, 2022
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Dear Respondents,

Greetings!

I am conducting research entitled COPING MECHANISM AMONG FILIPINO DECK

RATINGS ON BOARD SHIP as course requirements in the degree Bachelor of Science in

Marine Transportation.

In connection with this, I would like to ask your help to provide the necessary data for

my study, please feel free to answer the questionnaires.

I would like to appreciate your assistance and support in this particular research

endeavor.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Very truly yours,

Researcher ALLAN JUNIOR DP. CUSTODIO

Noted by:

JEANE MARIE H. GALERO

Adviser

APPENDICES

ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Dear Ma’am/Sir, 
I would like to seek your help for the validation of my questionnaire. There were
some changes on my study; hence, I need to prepare a new questionnaire that will
fit my research design.  
Thesis Title: “COPING MECHANISM AMONG FILIPINO DECK RATINGS ON
BOARD SHIP” 
Statement of the Problem 
The study will determine the coping mechanisms applied by Filipino deck ratings in

some of the challenges faced on board as basis for Work Life Balance.

Generally, the herein problem is about the coping mechanisms of Filipino

deck ratings.

Specifically, the following questions are included to add justification to this study. A
survey shall be conducted among Filipino Deck Ratings respondents.
1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of: 
a. Age; 
b. Number of years as a seafarer; and 
c. Status
2. What are the coping mechanisms applied by Filipino deck ratings in terms of;
a. Fatigue
b. Loneliness/Separation from Family
3. What are the ill effects not being able to cope with the challenges on board by
Filipino Deck Ratings in terms of their job performance? 

 
Part 1 - Profile  
 
Name: ___________________________________ (OPTIONAL) 
 
Gender: ___________________ 
 
Age: _______________________ 
 
Years of working onboard: _____________ 
 

Part 2 - Interview Questions 
  
Interviewees are encouraged to explain their answers thoroughly. 
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

 
1. How do you manage fatigue on-board?

2. What do you do if you feel lonely or separated from your family?

3. What are the negative effects of not being able to bear those challenges on-board

in terms of your job performance?

 
 
 
 Validated by: 
 
 
 
 
 

TRANSCRIBED DATA

Respondent A

Company: Good Voyage Cargo Shipping

Position: Able Bodied Seaman

Years Onboard: 8 years

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Interviewer: First question, how do you manage fatigue on-board?

Interviewee: I rest early after work or duty so that the next duty hour I can regain my
energy for the next duty work.

Interviewer: Second Question po, what do you do if you feel lonely or separated
from your family?

Interviewee: I just think happy things only so that it will be out of my mind and also
checking out my family by calling thru messenger if they are okay.

Interviewer: Question number 3, What are the negative effects of not being able
to bear those challenges on-board in terms of your job performance?

Interviewee: It will not be a productive job, someone might be irritated to me

because of my doings and for the rest of your contract you will find your job hard.

Interviewer: That’s it po sir, That’s my only question. Thank you for your time for
having this interview. Thank you po.

Respondent B

Company: Status Maritime

Position: Ordinary Seaman

Years Onboard: 5 years

Interviewer: First question, how do you manage fatigue on-board?

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Interviewee:
Interviewer: Second Question po, what do you do if you feel lonely or
separated from your family?

Interviewee:

Interviewer: Question number 3, What are the negative effects of not being able
to bear those challenges on-board in terms of your job performance?

Interviewee:

Interviewer: That’s it po sir, That’s my only question. Thank you for your time for
having this interview. Thank you po.

Respondent C

Company: Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc.

Position: Boatswain

Years Onboard: 21 years

Interviewer: First question, how do you manage fatigue on-board?

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Interviewee: Calling my loved ones at home always removes my fatigue and always
reminds me that I am doing this for them

Interviewer: Second Question po, what do you do if you feel lonely or

separated from your family?

Interviewee: Thinking happy thoughts I shared with them while I am on a vacation.

Aside from that, I am spending my time learning new things that will help boost my
seafaring career.

Interviewer: Question number 3, What are the negative effects of not being able
to bear those challenges on-board in terms of your job performance?

Interviewee: It gives stress and anxiety when deck ratings are not able to cope up
with the challenges on board. That is why it is necessary to put all your best and give
more effort on doing your job to be familiarized and keeping in mind what your
superiors are teaching you so that it will not be difficult for you to do it the next time.

Interviewer: That’s it po sir, That’s my only question. Thank you for your time for
having this interview. Thank you po.

Respondent D

Company: Philippine Transmarine Carriers

Position: Able Bodied Seaman

Years Onboard: 6 years

Interviewer: First question, how do you manage fatigue on-board?

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Interviewee: I used to sleep right after my duty so I can regain my energy and I
always take vitamins.

Interviewer: Second Question po, what do you do if you feel lonely or separated
from your family?
Interviewee: When I feel lonely or far from the family. I used to think that this is the
nature of my work and I have to sacrifice myself being away from my family to give
them a better future.

Interviewer: Question number 3, What are the negative effects of not being able
to bear those challenges on-board in terms of your job performance?
Interviewee: is to many like poor relation in work place, family issue, discrimination
and bad communication onboard.

Interviewer: That’s it po sir, That’s my only question. Thank you for your time for
having this interview. Thank you po.

Respondent E

Company: Magsaysay Corp.

Position: Able Bodied Seaman

Years Onboard: 8 years

Interviewer: First question, how do you manage fatigue on-board?

Interviewee: Kung makaranas man tayo ng fatigue sa babarko natin pwede ka

naman mag pahinga pagkatapos ng trabaho kahit mag take ka lang ng nap para
makapag relax saglit pagkatapos yan okay kana. Para maiwasan yung pagka
fatigue palagi kang uminom ng tubig, matulog ng mahigit 7 or 8 hrs. sa isang araw at
kumain ng sakto sa oras.

Interviewer: Second Question po, what do you do if you feel lonely or separated
from your family?
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Interviewee: Yan ang pinaka masakit sa part nng buhay na malayu ka sa pamilya,
dapat na gawin ay mag pray ka lang kay God na nasa mabuting kalagayan ang
pamilya at mag focus ka lang sa goal mo at sa career focus ka rin sa trabaho para
maiwasan ang mga disgrasya sa barko.

Interviewer: Question number 3, What are the negative effects of not being able
to bear those challenges on-board in terms of your job performance?

Interviewee: Ang mga negatibo epekto at challenges na nasa onboard ka hindi ka

open minded sa trabaho kumbaga inisip mo na natatakot ka. Nawawala ka sa focus
sa mga ginagawa mo at pwede itong maglagay sayo sa panganib at sa mga
kasamahan mo onboard.

Interviewer: That’s it po sir, That’s my only question. Thank you for your time for
having this interview. Thank you po.

Respondent F

Company: Marlow Navigation

Position: Ordinary Seaman

Years Onboard: 3 years

Interviewer: First question, how do you manage fatigue on-board?

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Interviewee: Unang una sa lahat after duty ko natutulog ako kapag wala naman
akong gagawin para makapag ready ako sa sususunod ko na duty at umiinom lang
ako ng vitamins everyday para may dagdag akong lakas.

Interviewer: Second Question po, what do you do if you feel lonely or separated
from your family?
Interviewee: Nililibang ko lang sarili ko sa paglalaro minsan ng basketball on-board
kasama mga ka crew ko sa pamamagitan nun nababawasan ang aming mga
lungkot. Kapag namimiss ko naman pamilya ko tinatawagan ko sila para icheck
kung okay lang ba sila at konting kamustahan.

Interviewer: Question number 3, What are the negative effects of not being able
to bear those challenges on-board in terms of your job performance?
Interviewee: Una na dyan ang kapamahakan hindi lang ikaw kundi pati ang mga
crew kaya dapat may presence of mind ka pa din hindi ka mawawala sa focus dahil
kapag nagpadala ka sa mga problema mo on-board tiyak na kapahamakan ang
mangyayari sainyo.

Interviewer: That’s it po sir, That’s my only question. Thank you for your time
for having this interview. Thank you po.

Respondent G

Company: Good Voyage Cargo Shipping

Position: Boatswain

Years Onboard: 12 years

Interviewer: First question, how do you manage fatigue on-board?

Interviewee: Enough sleep lang dapat lalo na kapag maya maya lang nasa port na
kayo ulet or pag sstandby na kayo ni kapitan dapat lagi ka may reserve energy para
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

during emergency kundisyon ang katawan mo lalo na at di natin yun masasabi kung
kelan mangyayari sa barko. Kumain lang din ng naayon wag sosobra at wag
magkukulang para mabawi at maconvert yung kinakain mo into energy. Kasi
katawan ang puhunan natin mga seaman.

Interviewer: Second Question po, what do you do if you feel lonely or separated
from your family?
Interviewee: Kapag nalulungkot naman ako naghahanap lang ako ng mga pwedeng
makalaro on-board hilig ko kasi talaga ang maglaro ng chess simula nung bata ako
at habang nasa lupa ako bilang libangan ko na din. Tinatawagan ko lang si misis
para kahit papaano mabawasan ko din ang lungkot kasi mahirap sa barko sarili mo
lang ang mag aasikaso sayo kahit may sakit ka.

Interviewer: Question number 3, What are the negative effects of not being able
to bear those challenges on-board in terms of your job performance?
Interviewee: Kung magkaroon ka man ng problema on-board or kahit sa family mo
maigi na mag share ka sa mga kasamahan mo para mailabas mo yung
dinadamdam mo at maiwasan mo ang mga hindi inaasahan aksidente. Humingi din
ng payo sa iyong mga kasamahan na iyong pinagkakatiwalaan.

Interviewer: That’s it po sir, That’s my only question. Thank you for your time for
having this interview. Thank you po.

Respondent H

Company: Good Voyage Cargo Shipping

Position: Ordinary Seaman 3

Years Onboard: 8 years

Interviewer: First question, how do you manage fatigue on-board?

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Interviewee: Before and after my duty I always apply ointment to my body to lessen
fatigue on-board and if my body really hurts, I take medicine and vitamins. Enough
sleep is better way to prevent fatigue onboard.

Interviewer: Second Question po, what do you do if you feel lonely or separated
from your family?
Interviewee: When I have a good signal on-board, I usually call my families to check
up on them. I entertain myself by visiting bridge/navigational room when I’m free to
learn more and be familiarize to those equipment’s.

Interviewer: Question number 3, What are the negative effects of not being able
to bear those challenges on-board in terms of your job performance?
Interviewee: Lost of focus to job orders and not able to think properly may hurt you
or your colleagues. You have to focus on what you are doing to prevent accident.

Interviewer: That’s it po sir, That’s my only question. Thank you for your time for
having this interview. Thank you po.

Respondent I

Company: Good Voyage Cargo Shipping

Position: Boatswain

Years Onboard: 16 years

Interviewer: First question, how do you manage fatigue on-board?

Interviewee: Maagang pahinga after duty matulog kung wala naman gagawin or
libangin mo ang iyong sarili para di mo masyado maramdaman ang pagod sa barko.
Wag din magpupuyat kung hindi kinakailangan para ready ka sa ano man oras
kailangan ka sa barko. Kung maari iwasan ang alak para makaiwas sa sakit ng ulo
kung may gagawin ka kinabukasan.
 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Interviewer: Second Question po, what do you do if you feel lonely or separated
from your family?

Interviewee: Kapag malungkot ako nakikipag usap lang ako sa mga kasamahan ko
kahit hindi ko pa kaclose nagshashare lang ako ng mga bagay bagay at para
makilala ko din sila dahil sila lang ang pansamantala mong magiging pamilya sa
barko sa kanila ka lang din makakapag share. May mini gym din kami sa barko
minsan nagwowork out ako para maganda pa din ang figure at maging malakas
dahil nasa ratings department lang ako kailangan malakas din ang katawan at
maging healthy.

Interviewer: Question number 3, What are the negative effects of not being able
to bear those challenges on-board in terms of your job performance?
Interviewee: Magiging negative lagi ang iniisip mo na maaring makaapekto sa iyong
ginagawa. Madalas ka din magkakamali sa mga ginagawa mo na maaring
magresulta na magagalit si kapitan or chief officer

Interviewer: That’s it po sir, That’s my only question. Thank you for your time for
having this interview. Thank you po.

Respondent J

Company: Good Voyage Cargo Shipping

Position: Able Bodied Seaman

Years Onboard: 11 years

Interviewer: First question, how do you manage fatigue on-board?

 ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES

Interviewee: Drink less alcohol on-board in order to be effective and think precisely.
Reduce stress to boost energy. Also always drink water stay hydrated.

Interviewer: Second Question po, what do you do if you feel lonely or separated
from your family?
Interviewee: Whenever you feel lonely always think why you are away and do your
things while on-board keep busy yourself.

Interviewer: Question number 3, What are the negative effects of not being able
to bear those challenges on-board in terms of your job performance?
Interviewee: Loss your time management and you might not be able to rest well that
may cause insomnia. Being Heard. It takes time to gain the trust of coworkers to get
them on board with your ideas.

Interviewer: That’s it po sir, That’s my only question. Thank you for your time for
having this interview. Thank you po.