Emotional Stability Training for Maritime Professionals in War-torn territories to Mitigate Occupational Stress

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the perceptions and experiences of 20 Filipino maritime professionals
regarding emotional stability training and its effectiveness in mitigating severe occupational stress while
navigating war-torn territories. Semi-structured interviews revealed that while foundational training provides
basic cognitive control during emergencies, standard mental health protocols act merely as a temporary measure
against the acute trauma of hostile waters. Participants reported utilizing specific tactical grounding techniques,
such as tactical breathing and operating on mental "autopilot," to prevent operational paralysis during kinetic
attacks, piracy, and prolonged hyper-vigilance. However, the study identified significant systemic barriers
hindering psychological preparedness, notably demanding operational schedules that sideline trauma training and
cultural stigmas within multinational crews that complicate effective emotional support. The findings underscore
the severe inadequacy of current resilience programs for modern combat zones, highlighting an urgent need for
specialized, trauma-informed preparation. Integrating military-style combat-survival simulations, culturally
customized psychological interventions, and mandatory post-voyage trauma debriefing is critical to ensuring the
psychological survival of civilian seafarers and the operational sustainability of the global maritime industry...