Opening the event, Apo Belokas, Managing Editor of SAFETY4SEA, stated: "We’re proud to host this initiative for the fifth consecutive year, and it’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come since our first event in 2021. This week, we bring together over 50 global maritime stakeholders and leading experts to share insights, exchange ideas, and spotlight best practices in crew welfare."

He continued: “At SAFETY4SEA, we firmly believe that seafarers are the backbone of industry transformation. That’s why we continue to advocate for internet access as a basic human right at sea—a cause you can support through the petition on our SEAFiT website. We have also launched the 2025 SEAFiT Crew Survey, with support from The NorthStandard, to help set a benchmark for crew welfare across the industry. We encourage everyone to take part—get involved and make your voice heard! As always, our goal remains clear: to raise awareness and promote meaningful improvements in crew welfare, creating a safer and more attractive workplace for all seafarers.”

The event opened with a keynote video message from Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO, who emphasized the importance of the “My Harassment-Free Ship” campaign: "We invite all maritime stakeholders to support the campaign and foster a culture of zero tolerance on ships—where respect, safety, and inclusivity are the standard, and every individual working at sea can do so with dignity and security." He added: “We will amplify the voices of those who have experienced harassment, learning from their stories and ensuring they are heard. The IMO is also taking decisive steps by amending the STCW Code to mandate training for all seafarers on preventing and addressing violence and harassment. We are developing interactive platforms to connect seafarers with global best practices and support networks. No one should feel alone in their struggle."

In a keynote address, Adm. Eduardo Ma R. Santos, President of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), emphasized that safety is at the core of everything we do, while crew welfare is intrinsically linked to safety.

“This week serves as a reminder that crew welfare is a shared responsibility. It calls upon all of us — industry stakeholders, policymakers, and seafarers themselves — to foster a culture of care, a culture of safety, and a culture of respect,” Adm. Santos said, urging stakeholders to prioritize initiatives that promote mental health, ensure fair working conditions, and provide access to communication and support systems. In this digital age, we have new opportunities such as telemedicine, mental health apps, virtual engagement platforms, and other innovations that can bridge gaps and enhance the support network for our seafarers. By leveraging these tools, we can make a tangible difference in their daily lives. Let us use this week, therefore, to reaffirm our commitment to improving crew welfare through sound policy, innovation, and compassionate leadership,” he concluded.

Session #1: Ship Managers Session – Panel Discussion

Ship managers and operators are encouraged to prioritize initiatives that address both the physical and mental health of their crew members, promoting a more comprehensive approach to seafarers’ overall well-being.

Fostering a work environment where seafarers feel safe, supported, and valued is essential not only for their personal welfare but also for operational safety and efficiency. A holistic well-being strategy that includes access to healthcare, mental health resources, fair working conditions, and opportunities for rest and recreation can significantly enhance morale, performance, and retention within the maritime sector.

In the first panel, moderated by Nicola Good, Maritime Communications Consultant, 8th Street Communications Ltd, the following ship managers shared their perspectives on crew welfare: Yannis Maroulis, General Manager, Fleet Management Limited (Hellenic); Maneesh Pradhan, Group Managing Director – Crew Management, Synergy Marine Group; Basil Sakellis, CEO, Alassia NewShips Management Inc.and; Capt. Leonid Zalenski, COO, Columbia Group.

Session #2: Crew Welfare

In a joint presentation, Dean Crassas, President, Port Medical Management and Pam Kern, Director of Maritime Mental Health Services, Port Medical Management explained how localized care in U.S. ports is reshaping global standards for seafarer health. Considering that the current US immigration landscape can create added stress to seafarers, care strategies in US ports are more direct and human- centered. They suggested ways to elevate wellbeing as both a business and human strategy, highlighting the need to follow-up care and warm transfer practices. These can improve long-term outcomes compared to corporate or transactional models with consistent information.

Yofis Florentin, Founder & CEO, Learning Seaman focused on seafarers’ mental health and well-being, providing an overview of how major industry associations address this critical aspect. Seafarers face unique challenges that can significantly impact their mental health, including isolation, extended periods away from family, demanding working conditions, and the inherent unpredictability of life at sea. Among the many encouraging industry initiatives, the recent introduction of OCIMF’s SIRE 2.0 places greater emphasis on the human element, incorporating the assessment of vessel condition, crew competence, behavior, and overall crew effectiveness.

Session #3: Crew Welfare – Panel Discussion

Ship managers should handle crew welfare/ wellness by implementing comprehensive strategies and policies that promote a healthy work-life balance. The panel, moderated by Anastasia Kypriotaki, News Editor, SAFETY4SEA, involved the following participants in the discussions around crew welfare: Yofis Florentin, Founder & CEO, Learning Seaman; Capt. Christos Gianneios, Crew Manager, Niovis Shipping; Kostas Katsoulieris, P&I Claims Director – Greece, NorthStandard; Stavri Kleanthous, Wellbeing Services Manager, Oceanic and; Capt. John Lloyd, Chief Executive Officer, The Nautical Institute.

Session #4: Focus Presentations

Abdulgani Serang, Programme Development Manager, ITF Seafarers’ Trust highlighted concerning findings from the recent ITFST Seafarer Survey (May 2024), analyzed by the World Maritime University (WMU). The survey revealed that one in four seafarers did not receive any shore leave during their entire contract period. Even more alarming, nearly 70% of seafarers reported either never going ashore or only rarely having the opportunity, with officers being even less likely to access shore leave than ratings. He concluded by warning that seafarers’ right to shore leave is at serious risk of disappearing altogether. The lack of shore leave not only constitutes a significant violation of seafarers’ well-being and human rights but also poses a long-term threat to the sustainability of the shipping industry.

Dr. Crisitina Dragomir, Associate Professor, Constanta Maritime University, Romania, & Chair and President, European Center for Social Responsibility shared practical measures for adopting effective cyber hygiene onboard. She emphasized that while cyber threats are constant, they are also preventable. Cyber hygiene must be embedded into daily operations, just like any other safety routine. Building resilience requires a combination of technical defenses and strong crew awareness. “Every seafarer is a cyber safety officer; awareness and discipline are essential. A clean digital ship is a safe ship!” she concluded.

Session #5: Industry Stakeholders Panel – Panel Discussion

The industry’s initiatives and welfare programs dedicated to enhancing crew wellbeing must not merely comply with the minimum regulatory requirements but should strive to surpass them. To achieve meaningful progress in improving crew welfare, it is essential for such initiatives to go beyond baseline standards and embody best practices that reflect genuine care for seafarers’ physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Furthermore, fostering the exchange of ideas, expertise, and resources among stakeholders is vital to promoting effective collaboration, ensuring the widespread adoption of welfare initiatives, and driving holistic improvements across the maritime sector.

The panel discussion, moderated by Namrata Nadkarni, CEO and Founder, Intent Communications, involved the following participants who highlighted the importance of industry stakeholders’ participation in improving crew welfare: David Parmeter, Chair, Australian Mariners’ Welfare Society; George Pitaoulis, Head of Marine Personnel, Nakilat; Ian Stokes, Head of Corporate Engagement and Partnerships, Stella Maris and; Tim Springett, Chairman, Labour Affairs Committee (LAC), International Chamber of Shipping.

Session #6: Physical Wellness

Dr. Monique Rizza R. Mendoza, Cebu Branch & Telemedicine Manager, Nordic Medical Clinic emphasized that the true foundation of every safe voyage is rooted in something fundamentally human: the crew’s physical well-being. She explained that poor sleep contributes to emotional instability, nutrient deficiencies increase anxiety, and chronic pain can lead to depression. Ensuring timely access to medical care at sea reduces the need for ship deviations or repatriations, minimizes disruptions to seafarers’ work, and significantly improves health outcomes.

Session #7: Physical Wellness – Panel Discussion​

Physical wellness encompasses essential practices such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate rest, and proper ergonomics; all of which are fundamental to supporting the strength, endurance, and overall resilience required of seafarers in the demanding maritime environment. Regrettably, physical wellness is often overlooked on board, with challenges such as limited access to nutritious food and insufficient availability of medical resources remaining prevalent. Nevertheless, the maritime industry has begun taking proactive measures by introducing targeted initiatives and programs aimed at improving the physical wellbeing of crew members and fostering healthier living and working conditions at sea.

The panel discussion, moderated by Capt. Yves Vandenborn, FNI, Head of Loss Prevention Asia-Pacific, NorthStandard offered valuable insight to viewers regarding the current challenges regarding seafarers’ physical health and ways that they can be overcome. There to offer their expertise were: Dr. Antonio Roberto M. Abaya, Chief Medical Officer, HealthMetrics; Marinos Kokkinis, Managing Director, OneCare Group; Dr. Christian Lubaton, Managing Director, Nordic Medical Clinic and; Dr. William Moore, Senior Vice President & Global Head of Loss Prevention, The American P&I Club.

Session #8: Mental Wellness

Dr. Syed Asif Altaf, Global Wellbeing Program Coordinator, International Transport Workers’ Federation presented various ITF initiatives designed to support seafarers. These include high-level advocacy meetings with key stakeholders, developing partnerships and implementing joint wellbeing programs with employers, providing technology-supported 24/7 counseling services for seafarers and their families, and running a global mental health campaign through the ITF Inspectorate system. Dr. Altaf also highlighted two key considerations in managing stress and anxiety among seafarers worldwide: the nature of the work itself and the context in which that work is performed.

Capt.  VS Parani, Vice President, Marine, Tufton Asset Management, discussed the benefits of meditation for seafarers’ mental health, highlighting research from a large national database indicating that meditation is associated with a lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and disease. He explained that through meditation, individuals learn to focus their attention on a single point—typically the breath—in a relaxed yet deliberate manner. They also develop greater self-awareness by observing themselves without reactive judgment and without becoming desensitized to the process. Over time, meditation helps reduce sensitivity to intrusive thoughts, fears, and worries, eventually allowing individuals to quiet internal distractions, let go of cognitive labels, reopen their senses, and become more receptive to both internal and external stimuli.

Session #9: Best Practices on Burnout by Port Medical Management

Pam Kern, Director of Maritime Mental Health Services, Port Medical Management, shared how her experience as a former seafarer shaped her approach to maritime mental health, providing a unique perspective as a seafarer, mental health clinician, spouse of a seafaring captain, and with extensive employee assistance program experience. Her work focuses on adapting mental health tools to suit the maritime environment, rather than relying on generic, land-based solutions, and on helping seafarers apply their professional skills to their personal lives.

She has observed subtle yet significant signs of burnout among seafarers, such as cynicism, reduced commitment, and a sense of lost control, patterns that often emerge at specific stages of a mariner’s career or voyage. Pam also challenges the misconception that lower-cost mental health care is sufficient for seafarers, emphasizing the need to foster a culture that encourages open communication and provides mental health support tailored specifically to the realities of life at sea.

Session #10: Mental Wellness – Panel Discussion​

Mental wellness encompasses the ability to maintain a positive outlook, cultivate meaningful interpersonal connections, effectively manage stress, and seek appropriate support when necessary — all of which are critical to coping with the unique challenges of life at sea. Encouragingly, the maritime industry is making significant strides in recognizing mental wellbeing as a fundamental pillar of ensuring not only a safe working environment but also the overall happiness, resilience, and performance of crew members.

The panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Pennie Blackburn, Director and Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Waypoint Maritime CiC, shed further light on this subject, with the following professionals sharing their opinion on the matter: Rob Gale, Head of Training, International Maritime Employers’​ Council Ltd (IMEC); Pam Kern, Director of Maritime Mental Health Services, Port Medical Management; Stella Kiss, General Manager, Mental Health Support Solutions; Capt. VS Parani, Vice President – Marine, Tufton Asset Management; Capt. Badri Tetemadze, Master Mariner, Columbia Group & Associate Fellow, Nautical Institute.

Seafarers’ voices: Short stories from long journey

Jomari Ragasa, Third Officer at Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc., shared his inspiring journey and valuable insights into life as a seafarer during a video interview. Inspired by his father, who was also a seafarer, Jomari followed in his footsteps, embracing the challenges and rewards of a maritime career. “My father was a great influence, and many of my cousins are seafarers as well, mostly engineers in their respective companies,” he said. “Seafaring is a rewarding career, but it demands sacrifice, hard work, and resilience, especially when working away from home for months.”

Jomari emphasized the importance of balancing hard work with self-care and health. “Life is our greatest enterprise. Above all, we must prioritize our well-being,” he advised. To maintain physical and mental health onboard, he recommends regular workouts, open communication with fellow crewmates, and participating in onboard recreational activities. Thanks to modern amenities provided by Döhle Seafront Crewing and P.D., Jomari and his colleagues enjoy internet access, gym facilities, computers, and entertainment options such as PlayStations onboard. These resources help diminish stress and promote camaraderie among the crew. “Do not hesitate to seek help or ask questions, and engage in activities that keep you connected and entertained,” Jomari concluded. His experience highlights the support systems in place for seafarers and the strong community that thrives at sea.

Redge Capilos, Deck Cadet, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc. shared a heartfelt message of gratitude and optimism during a video interview. Redge expressed appreciation for the growing recognition of seafarers’ voices within the maritime industry. A key highlight of Redge’s message was the importance of family connection and community support for seafarers. “One of the greatest sources of strength for us at sea is knowing our families are happy and connected,” he said. Thanks to advancements such as onboard Wi-Fi and initiatives like Döhle Seafront’s Family Hubs—social events that bring together the families of seafarers—this vital connection has become a reality. These gatherings provide opportunities for families to engage, share experiences, and build a supportive community.

Redge emphasized that this approach bridges the human side of seafaring with professional life, setting a new industry standard where connection and community matter as much as compliance and competence. “We should be grateful for this progress and continue building an industry where every seafarer works with pride, lives with dignity, and feels fully supported both at sea and on shore,” he added.

Döhle Seafront Crewing’s commitment to putting families at the heart of their support system serves as a model for the industry, demonstrating that when seafarers and their loved ones stay connected, everyone benefits.

Session #11: Seafarer Health – Panel Discussion

Occupational health and safety are paramount to ensuring seafarers are protected from work-related hazards while promoting practices that safeguard their overall health and well-being throughout their careers. Maritime stakeholders must prioritize supporting the health and welfare of seafarers and fostering a positive, sustainable working environment at sea. Given the significant challenges seafarers face—such as long periods of duty, high workloads, and limited access to medical care—their health is exposed to unique and increasingly complex risks.

In this panel, moderated by Sandra Psychogiou, Editor In Chief, SAFETY4SEA, the following experts gave their insights on what can be done to promote the health of the crew: Yogesh Pasrija, Global Head of Crewing, Wallem Group; Matthias Ristau, Secretary General, Deutsche Seemannsmission; Peter Schellenberger, Director and Founder, Novamaxis; Dr. Jens Tülsner, CEO & Founder, Marine Medical Solutions; Sandra Welch, CEO, Seafarers Hospital Society. The discussion emphasized that improving health at sea is not solely the responsibility of individual seafarers or onboard crew.

Session #12: Seafarer Health

Stella Kakouri, Associate General Manager at OneCare Group, emphasized that crew welfare should not be viewed as an expense but as an investment in safety, operational efficiency, and the future of maritime trade. In this context, taking proactive measures to support seafarers’ mental health is essential. However, several critical gaps persist: delayed responses to medical symptoms, deployment of unfit crew members due to inconsistent pre-employment medical examinations (PEMEs), missing or outdated medical chests, underreporting of mental health concerns, and limited language or cultural accessibility to telehealth services.

Session #13: Soft Skills – Panel Discussion

Soft skills, including emotional intelligence, decision-making, communication, and conflict management, are critical components of effective leadership and teamwork at sea. In the highly demanding and often isolated maritime environment, technical expertise alone is not sufficient to ensure operational success and crew well-being. The ability to manage interpersonal relationships, resolve conflicts constructively, and make sound decisions under pressure significantly contributes to maintaining crew motivation, productivity, and engagement. Developing a workforce with strong soft skills is not merely a matter of personal development; it is a strategic investment in building a resilient, adaptable, and high-performing maritime workforce capable of meeting the evolving challenges of the industry.

In a panel discussion, moderated by Capt. VS Parani, Vice President – Marine, Tufton Asset Management, the following experts elaborated on the importance of soft skills development and their numerous benefits: Capt. Pradeep Chawla, CEO and Founder, MarinePALS; Steven Gosling, Head of Information and Publications, The Nautical Institute; Rachit Jain, Managing Director, Safe Lanes Consultants Pte Ltd; Capt. Konstantinos G. Karavasilis, Regional Director, Loss Prevention, UK P&I Club; Panagiotis Kourkoumelis, Training and Development Manager, Kyklades Maritime Corporation; Lennart Ripke, Senior Consultant/Commercial Director, Green-Jakobsen.

Session #14: Soft Skills

Capt. Konstantinos G. Karavasilis, Regional Director, Loss Prevention, UK P&I Club emphasized the importance of developing soft skills within the maritime industry, with particular focus on fostering teamwork among crew members. He pointed out that in many situations onboard—whether on deck, in the cargo holds, or operating cranes—the individuals involved are not always officers, but may be bosuns, carpenters, or other essential crew members. ‘It is vital that everyone feels they are part of a unified team, working together toward the common good,’ Capt. Karavasilis stated. Building strong, resilient teams through enhanced communication, collaboration, and leadership is fundamental for safe and efficient operations at sea.

Milas Green, UK Regional Representative & Commercial Manager, Green-Jakobsen, emphasized that soft skills go beyond enhancing individual interactions; they play a vital role in building psychological safety within teams. He underlined that soft skills are not static but can be developed over time and are most effective when built upon a foundation of technical, hard skills. ‘Soft skills evolve dynamically through continuous practice,’ Mr. Green noted. ‘Context is critical – these skills must be applied and refined across different real-world scenarios to be truly effective.’ He also highlighted that strong soft skills have a direct, positive impact on team performance, contributing to safer, more collaborative, and efficient operations.

Session #15: Women in Maritime

During her presentation, Dr.  Angelica Baylon, External Relations Director, Maritime Academy of Asia & the Pacific provided an insightful overview of the vital role women play in shaping a better future for the maritime industry. She emphasized the importance of crew welfare within the context of global maritime operations, where women are actively reshaping traditional paradigms. Dr. Baylon defined crew welfare by breaking it down into its psychological, social, physical, and operational dimensions. The discussion underscored the transformative contributions of women, particularly in leadership and advocacy, in fostering inclusive and supportive on-board cultures. Finally, she identified critical challenges and opportunities, charting a collective pathway forward that empowers all stakeholders to take tangible steps toward building a fairer, more inclusive, and resilient maritime sector.

Session #16: Women in Maritime – Panel Discussion

The maritime industry has historically been male-dominated; however, as times change and the world progresses, creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for women at sea can bring significant benefits to the sector. The recent IMO/WISTA survey highlighted the ongoing need for coordinated initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion across the maritime industry. Despite growing awareness, women remain significantly underrepresented at sea, accounting for just 1% of the total seafarer population employed by surveyed organizations. The findings reflect persistent gender disparities within the industry and underscore the need for continued, targeted action. While there has been an increase in the number of women participating in the broader maritime workforce, they still represent less than 19% of the total workforce sampled in the survey, demonstrating that much work remains to achieve meaningful gender balance.

In this panel, moderated by Carleen Lyden Walker, CEO, Morgan Marketing & Communications, the following maritime professionals shared their views on how the maritime industry can achieve a more diverse workforce: Sanjam Sahi Gupta, Founder, Maritime SheEO; Caroline Jupe, CEO, International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF); Capt. Hari Subramaniam, Regional Head – Business Relations, The Shipowners’ Club; Ourania Syka, Member, WISTA Hellas and; Dr. Michela Terrei, Phychologist, I.M.A. Assessment and Training Center, Inc.

Seafarers’ voices: Short stories from long journey

Yrhen Bernard Sabanal Balinis, Third Officer and President of YIMO, shared how his journey in the maritime industry began with encouragement from his parents, despite his initial ambition to become a journalist. Over time, however, the excitement of exploring new destinations and the sense of camaraderie among crew members inspired his deep connection to life at sea. To improve crew welfare, Balinis highlighted the need for habitable accommodations, job security, and a supportive onboard environment—factors that align with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and directly contribute to crew happiness and retention.

As the global community advances towards a more sustainable ocean economy, Balinis stressed that safety must remain a top priority alongside environmental efforts, calling for collective responsibility from all stakeholders. Offering advice to young people considering a maritime career, he emphasized the importance of building networks and seeking guidance from experienced mentors. Finally, as the founder of the Youth in Maritime Organization (YIMO), Balinis called for greater transparency and accountability to address harassment and bullying in the industry, which he sees as essential to attracting and retaining the next generation of maritime professionals.