The theme From Policy to Practice – Powering Maritime Excellence resonated strongly at the World Maritime Day seminar organized by IEI Punjab & Chandigarh State Centre, IMEI, CMMI, and MNOA Chandigarh. Attended by 50 maritime professionals, the event underscored the urgent need to bridge global regulations with real‑world practice at sea.
Opening the seminar, Dr Labh Singh Bhari, Chairman IEI P&CSC, emphasized the importance of aligning international frameworks with technology and seafarer expertise. Coordinating the proceedings, Capt Amarjit Thakur, Chairman of CMMI‑Chandigarh, set the tone for a day of candid discussions.
Policy vs Practice: A Master’s Perspective
Capt Manu Nakra highlighted the disconnect between boardroom policy and onboard execution. “Bureaucratic overload causes compliance fatigue, forcing officers into paperwork instead of visual lookout,” he warned, pointing to growing threats from geopolitical conflicts in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz.
Capt Nakra proposed four priorities for maritime excellence: simplifying onboard procedures to restore situational awareness, delivering practical technology training, prioritizing crew mental well‑being through open bridge communication, and synchronizing shore infrastructure with ship decarbonization. “Policymakers must consult active mariners, managers must view crew support as an investment rather than an expense, and seafarers must actively embrace technological evolution,” he urged.
Seafarer Welfare: Beyond Checklists
Er Chirag Bahri of ISWAN revealed that mental health issues accounted for 36% of helpline calls in 2025, surpassing COVID‑19 levels. “While corporate policies exist, fear of job loss prevents crew members from seeking help, and welfare often devolves into a mere checklist item,” he said.
Er Bahri advocated a three‑phase support framework: preparing cadets with soft skills and financial literacy, ensuring psychological safety and open‑door leadership during sailing, and providing reintegration care after crisis events. “Maritime policies must prioritize psychological outcomes, active listening, and human well‑being over simple metrics,” he stressed.
Blue Economy: Expanding Horizons
Capt (Dr) Prabhat Nigam outlined how India’s Blue Economy contributes 4% to GDP, with initiatives like Sagarmala and Maritime India Vision 2030 aiming for 10% by 2047. He highlighted emerging fields such as offshore renewables, marine biotechnology, and sub‑sea operations. “Training must blend simulator‑based instruction, socio‑environmental awareness, and internships in frontier ocean industries to prepare a skilled, responsible workforce,” Capt (Dr) Nigam explained.
Connecting Gen Z to the Cause
Prof Jasjeet Singh Suri argued that younger generations demand purpose, not fear. “Gen Z cannot be motivated by strict enforcement. They demand to know why,” he said, using the “Five Whys” approach to link sustainability to global challenges. “By framing sustainability beyond financial profit, cadets switch from forced compliance to empathetic, purpose‑driven action.”
Engine‑Room Reality
Er Iqbal Shergill, a former Indian Navy engineer, grounded the IMO theme in practical terms. “If the engine fails, the entire vessel stops,” he reminded. “Policies are drafted in conference rooms, but practice is tested alone in the middle of the ocean at night.”
The seminar closed with a vote of thanks by Er Karnail Singh, Honorary General Secretary of IEI‑Chandigarh, followed by the National Anthem and networking lunch.
The discussions reinforced that maritime excellence requires more than policy — it demands practical execution, reduced compliance fatigue, stronger welfare frameworks, and training for expanded roles in the Blue Economy. As the IMO theme suggests, the challenge is clear: turning policy into practice to power maritime excellence for generations to come.
Marex Media