by Jesper Clausen, Master at Maersk
Jesper Clausen travelled to Shanghai in China in February to take over the company's latest newbuilding. Before that, he and five other colleagues were on a two-week isolation stay at a quarantine hotel. Here, Jesper shares his advice to other seafarers who are going into isolation.
"First of all, it is a good idea to ask the shipping company to find out if you can choose a quarantine hotel yourself to ensure a proper standard. Secondly, try to find out the possibility of local mobile data use, so you are sure you can communicate with people at home. The hotel's internet is not always good enough for a VPN to get on Facebook and use other social media. China, for example, has some restrictions on social media. Other than that, be sure to":
Pack the suitcase with HDMI cable, travel adapter and extension cord with 3-4 sockets.
Install a good VPN (countries such as China has restrictions on FB and other social media).
Download a bunch of books, music, series and movies that you can watch without internet connection.
Download Google translate on your tablet or mobile.
Bring healthy snacks (e.g., granola and energy bars, nuts, dried fruit etc.), instant coffee, tea and noodles that you can prepare with boiled water. You cannot be sure that the food served at the hotel is healthy and varied. Remember to state on the customs declaration that you bring food.
Vitamins
Bring cutlery, a pocketknife and a small bowl with a lid to heat noodles or similar.
Bring gym clothes and training equipment that can be used on a few square meters (e.g. rubber bands).
When you arrive at the hotel:
Keep in touch with friends and family at home.
Make sure you have some goals during the day (below this article, you can find inspiration).
If you are more colleagues in quarantine at the same time, make sure to have some talks during the day and find something to laugh about.
by Søren Diederichsen, chief psychologist at SEA HEALTH & WELFARE
Being in corona isolation can be a bit of a challenge. Research shows that three factors are crucial to our mental health; 1. being able to be active, 2. being able to do something with others, and 3. doing something meaningful. These three things are under pressure when we are in isolation. To go through such a period in the best possible way, you should try to create an everyday where the above three factors come into play. At the same time, it is important that you create some proper routines and that you approach the isolation stay with the "right" mind-set. Therefore, I recommend that you do the following:
- Have the "right" mind-set: Accept the situation. You cannot fight it. It would be a waste of energy. Instead, try to make the most of the time, you are isolated. See the period as, for example, a task, an opportunity to do things you otherwise would not have time to do, a complete focus on yourself, being undisturbed, etc.
- Create routines: If possible, try to create a daily routine where you get up and go to bed at "normal time". Try to create a structured day with breakfast, lunch and dinner at regular times. Divide the day into working hours and free time. Avoid "everything just floating together".
- Be active: Try to get your daily exercise (30 to 60 min.). If possible, go outside. If not, you may be able to walk or run up and down the hotel hallway. In the worst case, you must use the few square meters in your room for push-ups, jumping jacks, yoga, etc.
- Do something together: Establish a "lifeline" to important people in your life that you know you can always get hold of if the need arises. Also, make appointments for phone conversations at fixed times - preferably every day. You can also spend the time "catching up" with people you have not talked to for a long time and with whom you now have the time and opportunity to contact. Also, use the technology to be together in ways other than just a conversation. You could play computer games with friends and family or participate in family meals virtually, if possible.
- Do something meaningful: Make a plan for the day. Set yourself some goals. Try to get involved in some small meaningful projects. You might be able to do something work-related, read the books you never have time to read at home, listen to podcasts and audiobooks, plan the next house projects or the next major vacation, watch TV series, etc.
Eat and drink sensibly: When boredom sets in, it is tempting to "eat and drink for comfort". One needs stimuli. Beware of too much caffeine and alcohol. Both will disturb your sleep, and too much alcohol can boost the negative emotions that can arise from being in corona isolation.
by Torsten Mathias Augustsen, Head of Department at SEA HEALTH & WELFARE
As part of the ship management, you have a natural interest in your employees getting through the quarantine in the best possible way. When doing so, they will have the best possible start when signing on.
Once you or your employees are in a quarantine period, there are not many opportunities to influence the course and circumstances of the quarantine. Therefore, you should prepare before you go into quarantine by considering different scenarios and talking to the parties who are involved in or can influence the quarantine process.
Make sure to:
Consider different scenarios for how a quarantine can proceed for the individual employee.
Have a clear agreement with the shipping company about who does what if the quarantine does not go according to plan.
Make an overview of important contacts, including the shipping company, the ship management, the employees involved, possibly agents, etc., and share this overview with those involved.
Have agreements in place with your employees in quarantine on how they can get hold of you and/or the shipping company during the quarantine.
Once the employees have completed the quarantine, you in the ship management should conduct a debriefing of those involved to gather experience to prepare the following colleagues even better to go into quarantine. You should also look at whether agreements with the shipping company, agent or others involved can be improved.
Remember you can also contact SEA HEALTH & WELFARE for guidance and assistance at +45 72 40 26 10 or by mail at info@shw.dk.
