Wellness, health, sports sound very positive to me. Looking at these words through the eye-glasses of my experience I commented the below post in LinkedIn.
I do not want to sound like a grumbling Grinch 🎄—especially today, and certainly not against seafarers’ well-being through sport.
However, excessive optimism and a “pioneer’s approach” (I also did it) may ultimately disappoint both the crew members playing and those responsible for safety on board.
Supporting well-being is essential, and it must be balanced with realistic health risk management.
Based on my own and peer experience, dynamic games such as basketball or football on board ships require very careful consideration: painted metal surfaces, unsuitable footwear, mixed skill levels, limited onboard trauma response, and other ship-induced specifics.
Typical outcomes: from bruises and abrasions to serious joint or bone injuries — turning the crew sport event into another medical case.
As an alternative, I recommend lower-risk sport.
Where dynamic games are still pursued: invest in appropriate gear (non-slip sneakers, elbow, knee, and head protection), proper warm-up and in-game discipline, trauma response (ice packs, immobilization), instructions aligned with the realities (swell, deck fittings, mid-ocean med-evac, etc.).
Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and injury-free start to the upcoming year 🎆⚓🎉
