7th Biennial ACSPRI Social Science Methodology Conference

This plenary session introduces the audience to arts in health methodologies and their application to research the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting recession. Maritime workers' are vulnerable to health, welfare, and safety issues. In 2019, the United States (U.S.) had 2/5 of the World Fleet, and it had been a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) since 1950. The IMO (2020) estimated that there are about 2 million seafarers in the merchant marine industry. In 1959 Australia joined the IMO (2020), and it is estimated that there are about 2 million seafarers in the merchant marine industry. Australia depends on 99% of its trade from maritime sources.

Arts in health methods include photo elucidation techniques. Images and words are linked to interpreting data gathered from interviews and questionnaires from varied cultural perspectives. Questionnaires include online ones. The role of arts-based methods to support existing approaches for maritime workers should not be underestimated.

COVID-19 raises specific risks in the industry, including maritime, spread peaking. This spread has adverse effects on maritime workers, and there is a gap in human resources, and global supply chains are disrupted. Global supply chains need to be durable in the interests of economic and national security. Maritime workers may not be having adequate rest and often become vulnerable and fatigued when they keep ships moving and ports open, particularly in the COVID-19 pandemic context. Isolation takes a toll upon maritime workers' health, well-being and motivation. Simulated reality through arts-based methods, including photography, is a partial solution to support maritime workers' personal and social development.

The main question is: how could the maritime regulatory system be improved to address COVID-19 and the resulting recession to lessen maritime workers' distress? The qualitative methods to address this question include arts-based methods such as visual data and online self-administered questionnaire. Also included are Zoom-based interviews and observations. Arts-based research is distributed through online digital resources. The United States and Australia provide examples of the importance of maritime trade. It follows that the USA and Australia's economic consequences significantly affect a vast number of maritime workers globally. This session and continuing research are likely to have implications for other jurisdictions in the COVID-19 period who undertake maritime trade and commerce.