Emotional intelligence among seafarers: implications for well-being, teamwork, job performance, and maritime safety

Seafaring is a high-risk and high-stress occupation characterized by prolonged isolation, demanding work schedules, confined living conditions, and exposure to hazardous environments. These occupational conditions place significant emotional and psychological demands on seafarers, influencing their well-being, performance, and safety at sea. In recent years, emotional intelligence has emerged as a critical factor in managing stress, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and improving professional effectiveness in high-pressure work environments. This paper examines the concept of emotional intelligence among seafarers and analyzes its role in occupational stress management, teamwork, job performance, and maritime safety. Drawing on existing literature and insights derived from an MBA-level empirical framework, the study highlights how emotional intelligence competencies—such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills—contribute to resilience, effective communication, and safe operational behavior onboard ships. The paper concludes that emotional intelligence is a vital non-technical skill that should be integrated into maritime education, training, and human resource practices to enhance seafarer well-being and sustainable maritime operations.