Mental health experts are warning that, if the industry does not remove barriers for women at sea, it risks losing the next generation of talent and leaders altogether, according to Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS), a company specialising in providing psychological services for shipping firms.

In a statement, the the company explained women at sea often face hidden pressures, working twice as hard to prove their competence, while at the same time dealing with the challenge of balancing family and work life, as well as breaking down barriers and stereotypes.

Added to this is the pressure of feeling responsible for representing all women onboard. As a result, many female seafarers constantly manage how they are perceived, so as to avoid being undermined or overlooked, while also handling heavy workloads and workplace bias. 

In turn, these pressures can weigh heavily on wellbeing and confidence, making career progression feel more like a challenge than an aspiration. 

In response, MHSS, a member of the OneCare Group, announced that it is continuing to support women throughout their maritime careers through its Female Ambassador Programme.

Since its launch in 2024, the programme has trained over 50 mentors, equipped more than 80 office colleagues, and actively checks in with over 100 female seafarers globally. 

“Supporting women at sea must be an ongoing effort,” said Mariana Charalambous, Managing Director at MHSS. “We will continue to develop the Programme so that more women have access to mentorship”, she added. 

What is more, the programme’s longer-term impact is already becoming visible. 

“What’s been especially meaningful is seeing the long-term continuity. Some of those cadets are now officers and engineers, and many remain in frequent contact with their mentors,” said Guven Kale, Chief Clinical Officer at MHSS. 

At the same time, through the organisation’s helpline, Stella Kiss, Head of Clinical Operations at MHSS, says the emotional load carried by female seafarers is often heavier than it appears. 

“Many women carry the same concerns as their male colleagues, responsibility for family, financial pressure, expectations from home, but often without the same sense of belonging and support onboard”, said Kiss. 

She said this eventually becomes a layering of burdens rather than a single challenge.” 

Taken together, these challenges highlight the need for support that is both specific and practical, helping women maintain their wellbeing and continue their careers at sea. 

“The theme for this Women’s Day calls us to give support that’s specific, so women can continue their careers with wellbeing intact,” added Karen Ibanez, Clinical Operations Manager at the MHSS office in Manila.