Piracy will continue to affect seafarers if we do not start taking action, warns Mental Health Support Solutions

Seafarers continue to face serious mental health challenges following encounters with maritime piracy, according to Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS), member of OneCare Group.



MHSS Clinical Psychologist Alexander Dimitrevich (pictured) has extensive experience working with piracy survivors. Through the Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Program, he has conducted more than 140 interviews and meetings with former hostages and their families, gaining deep insight into the long-term psychological effects of captivity.



Whilst piracy remains an industry issue, it’s seafarers who bear the brunt of it, and it is crucial maritime leaders treat this extreme security threat as a priority when it comes to the safety of crews, Mr Dimitrevich explained.



“The maritime sector must finally accept that piracy is, at its core, a human problem. The people at risk are not abstractions. They are the very workforce that keeps global trade functioning, and their psychological resilience is not a luxury or an optional extra. It must become standard practice for companies to provide serious pre-joining preparation, clear and honest communication about protocols, structured decompression time after release and long-term access to qualified mental health professionals. Anything less is a failure of duty and a failure of leadership, he said.”



Over the past decade, more than 6,000 seafarers have been held hostage by pirates, often enduring prolonged captivity and intense psychological pressure. MHSS reports that the mental and emotional impact of these experiences can last much long post-release.



“Some seafarers develop anxiety or hyper-vigilance when operating in high-risk areas, while others can initially refuse to acknowledge potential danger. Both responses can affect their ability to follow safety protocols and manage risk effectively,” he said.



MHSS emphasises that many seafarers join vessels without adequate psychological preparation. Clear company protocols and guidance on emergency procedures are crucial for helping crews manage the stress and uncertainty of piracy situations.



“Seafarers need to understand not only the operational procedures but also how their company will support them and their families if an incident occurs,” Mr Dimitrevech added.



He also explained the unexpected differences in piracy globally, stating that piracy often involves the hijacking of entire vessels and can include prolonged captivity, manipulation, and harsh treatment of crews. In contrast, Nigerian piracy typically targets crews for shorter periods, with seemingly less cases of violence, however significant psychological effects still remain.



MHSS urges shipping companies and charterers to recognise the mental health risks associated with piracy and to provide proactive and informative access to psychological support before, during, and after exposure to high-risk waters.