The first of two reports introduced in London recently describes the study and major findings from 154 seafarer interviews. "During encounters with pirates, seafarers experience traumatic events that may lead to clinically significant emotional consequences," SCI's clinical researcher Dr. Michael S. Garfinkle says. "However, no attempts to describe the emotional circumstances of seafarers currently exist to help in assessing and treating them." SCI aimed this first report, entitled "The Psychological Impact of Piracy on Seafarers," at giving persons in the maritime industry a direct look at the data from SCI's clinical study and some of its implications. In discussions with shipowners, SCI hopes to stimulate human resources protocols for treatment. The second report, a scientific peer-reviewed paper, follows, with planned publication in early 2013.
