SAFETY4SEA announced the winners of the 3rd Crew Welfare Virtual Awards on Tuesday, June 25th, celebrating industry’s outstanding practices in favor of crew welfare and wellbeing.
The winners of the 3rd Crew Welfare Virtual Awards are:
Crew Welfare Tanker Operator Award
Winner
Anglo-Eastern Ship Management
For establishing a human performance strategy that spans the entire talent development cycle from recruitment and training to welfare and advancement and has contributed to a high retention rate of over 95%.
Capt. Vinay Singh, Group Managing Director Marine HR, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management:
“Ship management is a peoples’ business; therefore, we are very honored to be awarded for taking care of our people. We run more than sixty initiatives under the We Care program, which allows us to cater to the different needs of more than 30,000 seafarers who work with us. We also have Starlink on more than thirty ships, which further enhances our helping initiatives.”
Crew Welfare Dry Bulk Operator Award
Winner
Pacific Basin Shipping Limited
For recognizing the great value of having a diverse staff of different ages, cultures, and backgrounds. The company is investing in the development of a growing number of female seafarers on its ships, currently employing 52 female seafarers on its owned ships, including 16 officers.
Harsh Bhave, Director Fleet, Pacific Basin Shipping:
“’Pacific Basin is a firm believer in diversity and inclusion. The offices are in 12 countries, and 114 ownerships are managed in-house. Our staff come from different nationalities. As a ship owner, we should pride ourselves on providing secure and healthy workspace for all our colleagues, especially those at sea. We have focused on providing them with a caring environment to succeed in the maritime industry.”
Crew Welfare Crew Manager Award
Winner
MAGSAYSAY
For its ‘We Care’ program, which supports Filipino seafarers and their families by promoting crew welfare initiatives, providing training and skills development, and offering support at every stage of their career journey, thereby enhancing their wellness and financial management.
Arnold B. Javier, President, Magsaysay Maritime Corporation:
“Magsaysay promotes crew welfare in partnership with principals through active endorsements and programs like advocating free internet access for the crew, making them continue to be connected with their families, balanced diets, nutritious meals, recreational facilities onboard, and training that not only upskills but also enhances system wellness and financial management.”
Crew Welfare Service Provider Award
Winner
OneCare Group
For offering 24/7 direct access to medical expertise and mental health support to seafarers through its digital platform and support helpline which is manned by qualified physicians and clinical phycologists. The company has also started to offer mental health ship visits through its partnership with MHSS.
Stella Kakouri, Manager, Health & Wellbeing Services, OneCare Group:
“At OneCare Group we understand that mental health, training, and wellbeing of seafarers is very important. Our platform was created to provide mental and physical health support, education and training ensuring that those who are at sea have access to the care they need and growth opportunities no matter where they are in the world.”
Crew Welfare Non-Profit Organisation Award
Winner
International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF)
For its ‘#SARyouOK?’ Initiative which aims to increase awareness and break down the stigma attached to mental health and well-being issues of SAR personnel globally. The initiative recognizes the unique psychological challenges faced by SAR personnel.
Caroline Jupe, CEO, International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF):
“Winning this award is a testament to the power of collaboration, perseverance, and passion. It reminds us that we can achieve remarkable things when we come together and support each other. The IMRF is steadfast in its mission to enhance maritime SAR operations around the globe. This award validates our efforts to advocate, share knowledge, and foster international collaboration.”
Crew Welfare Diversity & Inclusion Award
Winner
Columbia Group
For its ‘Female Cadet Mentoring Programme’ which is a mentorship programme targeting female cadets specifically in a bid to promote and encourage a more diverse industry. This programme aims to attract more women onboard vessels as well as helping to sustain their presence within the industry further than cadetship.
Claudia Paschkewitz, Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Sustainability, Columbia Group:
“The Columbia Group is committed to provide equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of any difference, this is clearly stated in our Code of Conduct. Diversity in our workforce is essential for us, it is one of our core values. With our female cadet mentorship program, we are sending out a clear signal: We put our convictions into practice.”
Crew Welfare Personality Award
Winner
Sandra Welch, CEO, Seafarers Hospital Society
For her valuable contribution to crew welfare. She is accountable for the creation and development of crew welfare and wellbeing programs, community development projects, as well as the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Sandra is a dedicated advocate for a Culture of Care for seafarers and their families, highlighting it as a top priority on the industry’s crew welfare agenda.
Sandra Welch, CEO, Seafarers Hospital Society:
“I am truly humbled to be recognized for my contributions to keeping our seafarers safe, healthy, and happy. This is something I remain absolutely committed to, and every day I am fortunate to reflect on the so many talents that dedicated people across a variety of sectors are doing everything in their power to make the industry a place where seafarers can really thrive.”
Crew Welfare Leadership Award
Winner
Andrew Wright, Secretary General, The Mission to Seafarers
For his dedication and commitment to the cause of seafarer welfare through his leadership of The Mission to Seafarers. The organization has a presence in over 200 ports across more than 50 countries, with over 70 frontline staff, around 100 chaplains, and a global network of volunteers, including those who help run the Mission’s Seafarers Centres.
Andrew Wright, Secretary General, The Mission to Seafarers:
“It is the efforts of many people that have made this period a very exciting one of development and change for us. It is a period which included the huge challenge of the pandemic, of the Ukraine war, and now of the Red Sea crisis. It’s been our great honor and privilege to sustain work throughout all periods of that time.”
About Crew Welfare Awards
Crew Welfare Awards are part of the Crew Welfare Week within the scope of fostering Crew Wellbeing & Sustainable Shipping. The process to be employed is a combination of open nomination and vote from audience and the industry panel of experts.. The award categories are:
Crew Welfare Tanker Operator Award
To be awarded to a ship operator of oil or chemical tankers, or gas carriers that demonstrated Initiative, Best Practices and Excellence and in any aspect of crew welfare
Crew Welfare Dry Bulk Operator Award
To be awarded to a ship operator of bulk carriers, or general dry cargo vessels that demonstrated Initiative, Best Practices and Excellence in any aspect of crew welfare
Crew Welfare Crew Manager Award
To be awarded to a crew management company that demonstrated Initiative, Best Practices and Excellence and in any aspect of crew welfare
Crew Welfare Service Provider Award
To be awarded to a service provider that delivered service which contributes towards improving crew welfare
Crew Welfare Non-Profit Organisation Award
To be awarded to a non-profit organization or association that planned, promoted and delivered any program fostering crew welfare with tangible results
Crew Welfare Diversity & Inclusion Award
To be awarded to an organization that planned/delivered a program or promoted in any way the Diversity & Inclusion agenda
Crew Welfare Personality Award
To be awarded to a Personality that provided industry influence and contributed towards moving the crew welfare agenda forward with tangible results
Crew Welfare Leadership Award
To be awarded to an Industry Figure that has provided leadership by steering their organization and/or the industry towards crew welfare excellence
Notification procedure is initiated few months ahead of the event with an open invitation to the industry stakeholders to propose nominations online via relevant form at dedicated awards page. Shortlisted nominees are announced within a week after nomination submission is concluded and open vote to declare the winner of each category is available for a period of three months through relevant application at dedicated awards page. Winners are announced at the award ceremony, during the Crew Welfare Week.