Recognizing that the demanding and often isolating environment of a career at sea requires more than just technical proficiency, the Mumbai Branch of the Institute of Marine Engineers (India) (IME(I) Mumbai) recently spearheaded a transformative workshop for cadets at the Indian Maritime University (IMU) Mumbai. The thoughtfully curated session, titled “Packing for the Sea Within,” was expertly facilitated by Empowerment and Transformative Life Coach Deepshikha S Mehra and addressed the fundamental need for cultivating inner strength, self-awareness, and robust emotional grounding in these future marine professionals as they embark on their significant journeys.
This proactive initiative underscores IME(I) Mumbai’s unwavering commitment to the comprehensive and holistic development of aspiring marine engineers and officers. The institute recognizes that the emotional and mental well-being of seafarers directly impacts their performance, job satisfaction, and overall quality of life. The significance of this forward-thinking approach was further amplified by the esteemed presence of Mrs. H K Joshi, former Chairperson and Managing Director of The Shipping Corporation of India, a beacon in the maritime industry, and Mr. Rajesh Doshi, a valued fellow member of IME(I), both of whom lent their support and insights to the occasion.
Deepshikha S Mehra brought a unique and deeply empathetic perspective to the workshop, drawing upon her extensive 14 years of experience in transformative coaching, somatic therapy, and inner child healing. Her profound personal connection to the maritime world – as the daughter of veteran marine engineer Atul M. Raizada, sister of Captain Anupam Raizada, and having shared voyages aboard some of the world’s largest vessels with her husband, Chief Engineer Sanjeev Mehra – allowed her to connect with the cadets on a deeply personal level. She provided subtle yet powerfully impactful experiential tools and reflective exercises designed to foster self-awareness, manage stress, and build inner resilience, skills crucial for navigating the inherent challenges of life at sea.
This collaborative effort between IME(I) Mumbai and IMU Mumbai highlights a shared understanding of the multifaceted nature of preparing individuals for the maritime industry. While technical expertise remains paramount, IME(I) Mumbai’s initiative emphasizes that emotional preparedness is an equally vital component for ensuring the long-term success, well-being, and retention of skilled seafarers. The workshop powerfully conveyed the enduring message that amidst the vastness and potential isolation of the sea, the strongest and most reliable anchor is the one each individual carries within themselves.
Marex Media
