Seafarers' nutrition improvement

The Importance of Seafarers’ Nutrition

Ensuring the health and well-being of seafarers is crucial. Their diets often consist of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-calorie foods. Consequently, this pattern can lead to increased risks of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is essential to explore effective strategies for improving nutrition among maritime workers.

Seafarers’ Attitudes Towards Nutrition

A study published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology investigated seafarers’ attitudes towards nutrition and the potential for enhancing onboard diet quality. Notably, the research involved 810 European and Southeast Asian seafarers, as well as 62 ship cooks across 68 vessels from two German shipping companies.

According to the findings, nearly all seafarers (98.8%) considered a healthy diet important for their well-being. Additionally, 88.4% expressed willingness to change their eating habits. However, European seafarers were less inclined to reduce meat consumption or increase their intake of fruits and vegetables compared to Southeast Asian counterparts.

Challenges in Onboard Nutrition

Nevertheless, the study identified several obstacles to healthy eating in the maritime environment:

• Limited Food Supply: Constraints in food ordering and delivery restrict the availability of fresh and nutritious foods.
• Cultural Diversity: Catering to a multinational crew with varying dietary preferences complicates meal planning and preparation.
• Environmental Factors: Ship movements, isolation, and irregular working hours influence eating behaviors and food choices.

The Role of Ship Cooks

Moreover, ship cooks play a pivotal role in facilitating healthy eating habits among seafarers. The study found that 82.3% of ship cooks had participated in at least one cooking course organized by their employer. However, more than half reported that their most recent training occurred over two years ago.

Furthermore, ship cooks showed a positive attitude towards using a tablet-based digital platform to support daily tasks, with over 85% expressing agreement.

Strategies for Improving Onboard Nutrition

To enhance nutrition on merchant ships, the following approaches are recommended:

1. Tailored Food Supply: Ensure the food supply meets the specific dietary needs and preferences of the crew.
2. Nutrition Education: Implement targeted nutrition education programs to encourage healthier food choices among seafarers.
3. Support for Ship Cooks: Provide ongoing training and resources to empower ship cooks in preparing nutritious meals.
4. Technological Integration: Utilize digital platforms to assist ship cooks in menu planning and nutritional analysis.