Prosocial behavior is a comprehensive name for various forms of social behavior in which basis are helping others to meet their needs or to eliminate difficulties. The prosocial behavior of the helper is determined by the (external) factors and the personality traits of the helper. The aim of this paper is to analyze the prosocial behavior, i.e. to determine how it develops and affects it, with particular reference to prosocial behavior on board. Prosocial behavior is, to a greater or lesser extent, positively associated with empathy. Seafarers are a special social group, but comprehensive research related to seafarers' prosocial behavior has not been carried out, although seafarers are known to learn prosocial behavior in life-threatening situations. If seafarer is unresponsive in the situation when his assistance is needed to the other crew member or entire crew, that may compromise the safety of seafarers, ships and ships' cargo.