Safety Hazards – Mental health

The commercial seafood industry is widely recognised for its physical hazards, but the psychological risks of long deployments and isolation are equally significant. Long periods away from home, fatigue, isolation, and pressure to perform can harm mental wellbeing, increasing stress and the likelihood of mistakes at sea. Michael O’Brien, general manager of Australia Bay Seafoods, views mental health and wellbeing not as separate from safety, but as fundamental to it.

With multiple vessels that operate year-round, Michael deliberately structures rosters to provide predictability and balance. Skippers, engineers, and other crew members rotate on clearly defined schedules to allow them time to plan with family and recover properly between trips. For the many Indonesian crew members that work for the business, these rosters and designated time off allows them to regularly travel home, which reinforces stability that aids in positive mental health outcomes.

Communication is another cornerstone of this approach, as all vessels are equipped with VSAT systems, which allow crew to maintain regular contact with family. This reduces anxiety, supports relationships, and helps crew remain mentally present while at sea. When people feel connected to home, they are more focused, less distracted, and better able to manage stress during demanding operations.

Focusing on mental wellbeing can have positive outcomes on physical safety, because crew who are tired, stressed, or mentally overwhelmed are more likely to make mistakes or overlook hazards. Addressing mental health proactively means that crew members can more easily maintain alertness and sound decision-making, reducing the chance of serious incidents. Through structured rosters, open communication, and visible leadership support, Michael’s approach demonstrates how mental health can be embedded into everyday operations. Rather than treating mental wellbeing as a response to crisis, it becomes part of doing the job safely and sustainably.