Pratik Bijlani –
ISWAN India successfully concluded its annual half-day seminar on 17 December at the Bharat Ratnam-Mega Common Facilitation Centre, SEEPZ SEZ, Mumbai, building on the momentum of its Seafarers Matter initiative and strengthening its commitment to the welfare and retention of seafarers. Held under the theme “Attract, Retain, Sustain: Supporting wellbeing of seafarers and their families”, the seminar brought together shipowners, ship managers, crewing agents, government officials, training institutes, welfare organisations, and seafarers to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore actionable strategies to improve maritime careers.
Mr. Deepak Shetty, Former Director General of Shipping and ISWAN trustee, opened the seminar with a welcome address, stressing the urgency of structured, collaborative welfare initiatives. He remarked, “Seafarer welfare cannot be addressed through compliance or fragmented efforts alone; it demands an all-hands-on-deck approach—where governments, industry, and welfare organisations work together in a cohesive, holistic framework that truly values the human element powering global shipping.”
Chief Guest Mr Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping highlighted India’s transformative maritime phase, emphasizing legislative reforms including the new Merchant Navy Act and Indian Ports Act, and initiatives to expand the workforce while improving wellbeing and gender inclusion. He said, “India’s maritime transformation is not just about new laws, ports, or ships—it is about placing the seafarer at the centre of progress, ensuring their wellbeing, dignity, and preparedness as we build a globally competitive maritime nation.”
The seminar also marked the launch of ISWAN’s SEAS initiative, First Voyage, Firm Foundations, aimed at supporting cadets and new seafarers through structured onboarding, resilience training, and awareness of mental health and safety at sea. In addition, the Shore Staff Workshop was introduced to strengthen emotional support for shore-based professionals, and Sailing Together, a family handbook, was unveiled to reinforce family support networks for seafarers.
Dr Malini Shankar, Guest of Honour, shared her insights on challenges in maritime education and recruitment, emphasizing informed decision-making and ethical guidance for cadets. She noted, “Opportunities at sea must be chosen with wisdom, not haste. Due diligence, ethical guidance and informed decisions are as critical as ambition, because shortcuts and unchecked promises often lead to hardship—for both seafarers and their families.” A Seafarers’ Voices session, Charting the Course, brought real-life perspectives from cadets, ratings, officers, and family members, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to wellbeing that includes emotional and psychological support.
The first panel, First Voyage, First Foundations: Strengthening Induction to Secure Retention, emphasized structured orientation, practical safety awareness, mentorship, and ongoing feedback to improve cadet preparedness. The second panel, Support Ashore, focused on the critical emotional ecosystem connecting seafarers, families, and shore staff, highlighting the need for mental health awareness and organisational support ashore to ensure sustainable seafarer welfare. Collectively, the seminar reinforced ISWAN India’s vision for a seafarer-centred maritime industry, fostering retention, emotional wellbeing, and professional growth while building strong partnerships across stakeholders.
The event reaffirmed that the holistic wellbeing of seafarers and those who support them ashore is central to sustaining India’s maritime workforce and global competitiveness.
Marex Media