Alcohol dependency — screening and getting help

Alcohol dependency is a well-documented occupational risk in shipping; screening + non-punitive support routes exist for seafarers ready to address it.

Long contracts + isolation + culture of collegial drinking make shipping a high-risk occupation for alcohol dependency. STCW medical + industry-standard random alcohol testing + Company Safety Management Systems generally include alcohol thresholds — but the industry has slowly evolved toward non-punitive support routes for seafarers seeking help. ISWAN + ITF Seafarer Support both offer confidential dependency support.

Practical steps

• Honest self-screening: AUDIT-C questionnaire (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test — Consumption) is a validated 3-question test; scoring 4+ warrants further evaluation.
• Non-punitive routes: ISWAN SeafarerHelp + ITF Seafarer Support both offer confidential dependency programmes.
• Employer Assistance Programmes (EAPs) available on many CBAs including AMOSUP + Nautilus.
• Shore-side treatment: outpatient detox + counselling programmes at maritime seafarer welfare centres (Mission to Seafarers, Stella Maris).

When to escalate

• Alcohol withdrawal symptoms (tremors, sweating, hallucination) after 8+ hours without alcohol — medical emergency; hospitalisation likely.
• Persistent morning drinking or blackouts — dependency; specialist care essential.
• Any suicidal ideation combined with alcohol — immediate MEDEVAC + specialist psychiatric evaluation.

Last verified 3 months ago