Staying active at sea is essential to your wellbeing, Recreational sports like basketball can be fun and engaging! To help our seafarers stay safe while enjoying sports of a dynamic nature, here are some tips to mitigate risks and enhance safety:

Risk Assessment: Conduct a risk assessment to identify and mitigate potential risks, such as weather and deck conditions, wet surfaces, instability due to ship movements. Continually assess the playing environment!

Proper Equipment and attire: Use sports gear that is in good condition and suitable for the environment. Wear the right shoes, clothing, and personal protective gear such as knee or wrist bands that provide support and mobility while also accommodating the conditions on deck.

Ensure a fitness baseline that allows you to enjoy the sport safely! Assess your fitness and listen to your body. Follow a progressive an regular training program to build strength and endurance including exercises that improve explosive strength and agility, crucial for movements like jumping and rapid direction changes in basketball.

Warm Up Properly: Start the game with a warm-up including dynamic stretching to prepare the muscles and joints, focusing on those that will be most engaged during the game, such as knees, ankles, and wrists, to help prevent common injuries like strains and sprains. If you do get a strain or sprain, stop and attend to it, and resist the temptation to push through!

Hydration, Nutrition and Rest: Keep well-hydrated and nourished to maintain energy levels and prevent cramps and other physical issues. Ensure adequate rest and recovery periods to allow your muscles to rebuild and strengthen.

It’s all about the Team: Emphasize the joy of the game and teamwork over winning. Keep the game positive and enjoyable, valuing effort and mutual respect over the scoreline. Keep the game inclusive, encouraging participation at various skill levels.

Ichor Fitness is your Partner on Board

At Ichor, we specialize in safe, effective, and progressive training programs appropriate for the maritime environment. By training with Ichor, you’ll not only enjoy your recreational activities but also build strength, endurance, flexibility and resilience of body and mind, enhance mental and physical wellbeing and confidence, and return home an even better version of you.

Playing sports on board is a fantastic way to stay active and maintain team spirit among crew members, always remembering it is about safety first!