Activity of Public Organizations Aimed at Ensuring Health Protection of Women Seafarers

Abstract

Introduction. Navigation is one of the oldest professions associated with a wide range of factors that negatively affect physical, mental, and social well-being. Besides the general characteristics of the seafarer's profession, the wellbeing of women onboard depends on physiological characteristics, the social environment and the team’s social climate. In international practice, there is a vast experience of the participation of the non-profit sector in addressing issues of seafarers' health. A special attention is paid to women's public organizations, whose activities are focused on women seafarers. The purpose of the study was to review the activities of public (non-governmental, non-profit) women's organizations aimed at protecting the health of civilian female seafarers. Materials and methods. In this research, general scientific research methods were used: analysis, synthesis, generalization, as well as secondary data analysis of the international study “Women Seafarers' Health and Welfare Survey,” where health problems and accessibility of medical care for civilian female seafarers were discussed. Results. Civil navigation, both on land and at sea, is regarded as one of the most difficult professions in the world. Working conditions may lead to a wide range of problems with physical, mental, and emotional well-being of seafarers. Women employed in civil navigation face specific problems related to their health and its protection, as well as to the availability of health care. When the protection of women's health is not supported by the shipowner or ship management team, it can be provided by public organizations of women seafarers.