Psychological counseling offered by hospital ship helps crews stay healthy in mind and body.
On June 10, the Peace Ark embarked on a 118-day voyage to provide medical assistance in a number of countries and take part in joint operations and exercises with fellow members of ASEAN.
Li Wei's five months aboard an escort ship in the middle of the Gulf of Aden have been a high-pressure existence.
The 33-year-old marine engineer is no stranger to the rigors of life at sea.
There is the roar of the machinery in the engine room, with the nonstop sound and vibration from the ship's screw just a few meters away from his double-decker bunk.
Then there is the limited space in the cabin he shares with 17 other sailors, and the hot and humid weather.
He has had all of them in his previous deployments, but they suddenly became unbearable.
Li, a member of the People's Liberation Army navy for more than 15 years, has been on an 80-day mission before, but this is his first deployment since the birth of his daughter six months ago.
"I felt sick within a month of leaving port," he said. "I really miss my wife and baby girl."
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