Media Coverage: Dr Asiya Maula Highlights Rising Mental Health Concerns Among Young Seafarers
New figures obtained by The Health Suite through a Freedom of Information request to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have revealed a significant increase in mental health-related medical concerns among young seafarers.
The data shows that the number of temporarily unfit ENG1 medical decisions involving 16 to 24-year-olds, where mood or affective disorders were recorded as a contributing condition, more than doubled between 2024 and 2025.
Dr Asiya Maula, GP and director at The Health Suite, has highlighted the findings, explaining the pressures that working at sea can place on young people’s mental health.
Mental Health Concerns Among Young Seafarers
The figures show that mood or affective disorders were recorded in 64 temporarily unfit ENG1 medical decisions involving 16 to 24-year-olds in 2025, compared with 30 in 2024 – an increase of 113%.
The trend has continued into 2026, with 58 cases recorded between January and August alone.
Dr Maula explains that life at sea can create particular challenges for young people entering the maritime industry.
She said:
“These figures are concerning. A career at sea means long spells away from home, family and friends, often in a demanding environment with limited access to support.
“For someone in their first years at sea, that can take a heavy toll on their mental health.”
The Importance of Early Support and Medical Assessment
The ENG1 medical certificate is a requirement for seafarers working on UK-flagged vessels. A temporarily unfit decision means someone cannot work at sea until they have received the necessary support and undergone reassessment.
Dr Maula emphasises that receiving a temporarily unfit decision does not necessarily mean the end of someone’s maritime career.
She explains:
“In one sense, it’s encouraging that these issues are being picked up at the ENG1 medical. A temporarily unfit decision isn’t the end of a career at sea. It’s a chance to get the right support in place before returning to work.”
The wider figures highlight that mental health concerns are not limited to younger workers. Across all age groups, mood or affective disorders were recorded in 223 temporarily unfit decisions in 2025, compared with 116 in 2024.
Supporting Seafarers Before Problems Escalate
Dr Maula encourages anyone concerned about their mental health ahead of an ENG1 medical to speak to their GP early, seek appropriate support and maintain records of any treatment.
She also highlights the responsibility of employers, colleges and training providers in preparing young recruits for the realities of working at sea.
As she explains:
“Employers, colleges and training providers also have a big part to play. Preparing young recruits for the realities of life at sea, and making sure they know where to turn if they’re struggling, could stop many of them reaching this point.”
The figures also show that seafarers who challenge an ENG1 decision can have the outcome changed. Of 124 decisions referred to an independent medical referee between January 2024 and August 2026, 73 were changed.
Raising Awareness of Mental Health in the Maritime Industry
Dr Asiya Maula’s contribution highlights the importance of recognising mental health challenges in the maritime workforce and ensuring young seafarers know where to find support.
The findings reinforce the need for early intervention, accessible healthcare and better preparation for the demands of life at sea.
At The Health Suite, the Seafarer Medical service supports individuals undertaking the ENG1 medical assessment, helping them understand the process and the importance of their overall health and wellbeing.
Click here to read the complete article “Mental Health Factors in Seafarers’ Failed Medicals Double Among Under-25s” in Marine Insight.