Pratik Bijlani –
On January 7, the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), Government of India, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the DG Shipping office in Mumbai, to promote mental health awareness for Indian seafarers. This collaboration signifies a major step toward embedding mental well-being into the maritime training framework, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering resilience and a supportive work environment for seafarers across the globe.
The signing ceremony was attended by industry stalwarts, including Mr Steve Trowsdale, Global Inspectorate Coordinator at ITF, and Mr Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, who formalized the agreement. Esteemed figures such as Dr Syed Asif Altaf, Global Wellbeing Program Coordinator for ITF; Capt Tushar Pradhan, General Secretary of The Maritime Union of India (MUI); Mr Milind Kandalgaonkar, General Secretary-cum-Treasurer for NUSI and Mr Manoj Yadav, General Secretary of FSUI also graced the occasion. Capt (Dr) Daniel Joseph, Deputy Director General of Shipping (Crew), DG Shipping, skillfully hosted the event as master of ceremonies.
The event began with a warm welcome from Capt Joseph, who provided a brief overview of the MoU, underscoring its significance in addressing the mental health challenges faced by seafarers. In his speech, Mr Trowsdale highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts for seafarers’ welfare. “These MOUs with organizations like DG Shipping are incredibly important to the ITF, our unions, and our members.” he remarked, emphasizing the ITF’s dedication to ensuring the well-being of maritime professionals.
Mr Jagannathan’s address outlined India’s increasing prominence in the global maritime industry and the administration’s unwavering commitment to seafarers’ welfare. “Seafarers’ welfare is a major priority for the Indian Maritime Administration, encompassing not just their well-being onboard but also the holistic welfare of their families,” he stated. Acknowledging the challenges faced by the industry, he stressed the need to equip seafarers with skills and mental fortitude to navigate their demanding careers.
Mr Jagannathan commended the ongoing initiatives led by Capt Dr Joseph and Capt Pradhan, particularly those addressing mental well-being and gender equity. He announced plans to embed mental health awareness into maritime training through a dedicated stress management module, supported by an upcoming MS circular. “We are embedding mental well-being and traditional knowledge into training programs to ensure a comprehensive approach to seafarer wellness, aligned with global and national priorities.” he said, emphasizing the integration of traditional Indian wellness practices into training.
The signing of the MoU marked a milestone in the collective effort to address mental health issues in the maritime sector. This was followed by the presentation of mementos to the dignitaries, symbolizing mutual appreciation for their contributions.
The collaboration between ITF and DG Shipping paves the way for a healthier, more resilient maritime workforce, ensuring that Indian seafarers continue to thrive both professionally and personally. With mental health now firmly on the agenda, this initiative promises to create a supportive framework for generations of seafarers to come.
Marex Media