Press Release

Opening the event, Apo Belokas, Managing Editor of SAFETY4SEA, stated: “We’re proud to host this initiative for the sifth consecutive year, and it’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come since our first event in 2021. Our goal remains clear: to raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and promote meaningful improvements in crew welfare, so that we can help create a safer, smarter, more inclusive, and more sustainable maritime industry.”

He continued: “Behind every vessel are seafarers who continue to perform their duties under challenging conditions, often far from home and with limited control over the risks around them. This is a strong reminder that crew welfare is not an abstract concept. It is a real and daily responsibility, especially during periods of crisis, disruption, and heightened security risk.’’ This is why SAFETY4SEA, he explained, continues to advocate for internet access as a basic human right at sea, a cause that everyone can support through the petition available on SEAFiT website.

‘’We have also launched the 2026 SEAFiT Crew Survey, with the support of The NorthStandard, aiming to help establish a meaningful benchmark for crew welfare across the industry. We encourage everyone to take part, get involved, and make their voice heard.’’, Apo Belokas concluded.

The event opened with a keynote video message from Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO, who said: “Every ship carries more than cargo; it carries people with families waiting for them at home. Seafarers spend long months at sea, facing isolation, fatigue and the stress of operating in unpredictable conditions, while continuing to deliver the goods, energy and supplies that the whole world relies upon. To all seafarers, thank you.”

In his keynote address, Adm. Eduardo Ma R. Santos, President of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), highlighted that safety and seafarer welfare are inseparable. He emphasized that neglecting human needs can lead to unsafe operations, while investing in care helps build motivated, resilient and efficient crews. “In a world that is constantly moving, evolving and racing towards technological advancement, we need to bring our focus back to what matters most: the human element. This week is not just an event; it is a commitment, a collective promise that, as we build bigger ships, smarter systems and more efficient supply chains, we do not forget the people who keep our industry moving,” he said.

Adm. Santos noted that automation, digitalization and smart ships are no longer concepts of the future, but realities of today’s maritime industry. While technology can enhance safety and reduce workload, he stressed that it must never replace the human touch or devalue the essential role of seafarers. Concluding his speech, he underlined that resilience, recognition and respect must remain guiding principles for the industry, ensuring that human dignity stays at the center of maritime progress.

Session #1: Ship Managers Taking Action on Crew Wellbeing – Panel Discussion

The first panel, moderated by Nicola Good, Maritime Communications Consultant at 8th Street Communications Ltd, brought together ship managers to share their perspectives on crew welfare. Speakers included Capt. Xerxes Daji, Regional Director, India, Wallem Group; Capt. Faouzi Fradi, Chief Executive Officer, Maryam Shipmanagement; Costas Kontes, Chief Commercial Officer, Navilands Management Holdings S.A.; and Dimitris Patrikios, Managing Director, V. Ships Greece Ltd.

The discussion focused on key challenges related to crew welfare and the priorities for ship managers in supporting a healthier work-life balance for seafarers. Panelists shared their organizations’ approaches to crew welfare, highlighting practical initiatives and measures aimed at strengthening seafarers’ wellbeing, mental health and overall quality of life at sea.

Session #2: Crew Retention

In his presentation, Antonio Vittorio Terrei, Data Management Manager, Elburg Shipmanagement Philippines Inc., explained why welfare is a key strategy for crew retention and recruitment. He highlighted that structured career frameworks, supported by mentorship, clear milestones and embedded welfare measures, can help reduce turnover by making career progression more visible, achievable and self-sustaining. He also noted that data shows welfare-led approaches generate stronger loyalty, while connectivity and mental health support are directly linked to retention. Broader challenges, such as the underrepresentation of women in seafaring, accounting for less than 2% of the workforce, and high turnover among junior ranks, point to untapped talent and weaknesses in the talent pipeline.

Concluding his presentation, Terrei encouraged maritime stakeholders to adopt the Global Maritime Forum Sustainable Crewing Guidelines as a key structural commitment. He also stressed the need to modernize training by integrating digital and green skills, supporting funded cadet programs, and embedding soft skills and mental health awareness through maritime academies and flag states.

Session #3: Human Sustainability at Sea

Capt. Konstantinos G. Karavasilis, Regional Director, Loss Prevention, UK P&I Club, explained that human sustainability refers to the conditions needed for seafarers to perform safely, stay healthy, develop professionally and sustain long-term careers at sea. He stressed that poor leadership can foster fear and disengagement, while strong leadership builds resilience, trust and psychological safety onboard. He also noted that connectivity, while highly beneficial, can sometimes contribute to isolation if it replaces meaningful crew interaction. Therefore, a balanced approach to welfare is essential, not only for seafarer wellbeing, but also for operational performance and retention.

Concluding his presentation, Capt. Karavasilis emphasized that the industry must prioritize seafarer welfare through realistic crewing, leadership development and stronger advocacy for better working and living conditions. He ended with a strong message: “Ships run primarily on people, not fuel; human sustainability equals operational excellence and profitability.”

Session #4: Crew Welfare: Awareness, Action and Impact – Panel Discussion

This panel, moderated by Ellie Besley-Gould, CEO of the Sustainable Shipping Initiative, brought together maritime stakeholders to discuss crew welfare from different industry perspectives. Speakers included Tanuja Babre, Head of Swastha, Circle DV; Chirag Bahri, Operations Manager, ISWAN; Capt. Konstantinos G. Karavasilis, Regional Director, Loss Prevention, UK P&I Club; Capt. Hari Subramaniam, Chief Commercial Officer – Marine, Cargo & Logistics, Howden Specialty; Katerina Xenou, Crew Manager, Alassia NewShips Management Inc.; and John Zikopoulos, Senior Fleet Crew Operator, Latsco Marine Management Inc.

The panel explored the current state of seafarers’ life onboard, the most pressing welfare concerns, and the actions required from maritime stakeholders to support healthier, safer and more sustainable working lives at sea. In light of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and security risks affecting key shipping routes, the experts also highlighted the need for stronger support for both seafarers and their families.

Session #5: Best Practices on Crew Welfare

Atty. Iris Baguilat, President, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc., highlighted that despite technological advancements, human judgment, responsible leadership and team morale remain essential for safe and effective shipping operations. She noted that while constant connectivity can offer relief to seafarers, it may also lead to isolation, mental strain, sleep disruption and stress, ultimately affecting cognitive performance and operational safety. “Constant connectivity can also blur the line between work, rest and personal recovery. This is the challenge that we are now starting to experience and recognize,” she said.

Atty. Baguilat also emphasized that social interaction onboard remains critical in isolated vessel environments, yet it is declining due to digital distractions. This highlights the need to encourage meaningful rest, engagement and connection among crew members. “Crew wellbeing means that seafarers should not feel like a dispensable tool after disembarkation. It is not just about productivity. As human beings, we want to feel that our contribution is valued, that our work has made an impact and that we are cared for,” she concluded.

Tanuja Babre, Head of Swastha, Circle DV, said that human sustainability connects individual wellbeing with long-term professional resilience, stressing that infrastructure and technology are ineffective without motivated and resilient seafarers. In particular, she highlighted that fatigue remains underreported. “When we compare multiple reports, we see that crews regularly experience insufficient rest and high levels of fatigue, but they do not talk about it. When we talk about reporting, the first thing I want to highlight is that safe reporting requires honest reporting, and honest reporting requires safety,” she said.

In this regard, Babre underlined the need to prioritize rigorous and anonymous tracking of psychological safety and everyday mental health indicators, in order to guide targeted investments and interventions. She also advocated for a culture that normalizes access to mental health and wellbeing support. “Much like a first aid kit is available onboard for injuries or physical harm, psychological first aid should also be available in a similar way. This would allow people to access support early and not go through their problems in isolation,” she emphasized.

Laura Benzonana, Chief Operating Officer, Health4Crew, mentioned that seafarers face a growing mental load due to isolation, fatigue, interrupted sleep, long periods away from family and the pressure of operating in high-risk environments. She explained that her organization addresses these challenges through 24/7 telemedical support, preventive care and integrated wellness programs, aiming to elevate crew wellbeing into a core operational KPI. “Crew wellbeing is finally becoming a strategic discussion rather than just a compliance topic. My vision is that maritime healthcare becomes far more preventive and integrated into everyday operations,” she shared.

Benzonana stressed that seafarer wellbeing should be treated as a key operational priority, not simply as a response to emergencies. She noted that the industry needs to invest in people with the same seriousness with which it invests in vessels and technology. This includes stronger support systems, continuous learning, mental health awareness and career environments where younger generations can genuinely see a sustainable future at sea.

Coby Sella, CEO, Agwa, said that poor nutrition, often linked to limited access to fresh produce during long voyages, contributes to widespread health issues, fatigue and retention challenges among seafarers. He explained that AI-managed hydroponic systems can now provide continuous access to fresh greens with minimal crew effort, supporting wellbeing, safety and loyalty as part of a strategic operational investment. He urged the industry to view better food onboard as a visible signal of care and as an area where operators can act quickly. “Stop treating food as a catering line item. Start treating it as part of the operating environment that shapes safety, performance and retention. It should be carefully monitored and treated as one of the key elements in maintaining crew satisfaction and safety,” he said.

Sella also noted that technology now exists to close the fresh food gap in a cost-effective way that does not add to seafarers’ workload. He stressed that fresh thinking about food represents an investment in loyalty, resilience and long-term competitiveness. “This is not a luxury. It is an important part of the future technologies that will move this industry forward,” he concluded.

Session #6: Industry Stakeholders Leading the Way in Crew Wellbeing – Panel Discussion

In this panel, moderated by Namrata Nadkarni, CEO and Founder of Intent Communications, the following experts shared their perspectives: Thomas Boddy, Policy Officer, Employment Affairs, International Chamber of Shipping; Nikolaos Koletsis, Senior Policy Officer for Maritime Transport, ETF Europe; Capt. John Lloyd FNI, Chief Operating Officer, The Nautical Institute; and David Parmeter, Chair, Australian Mariners Welfare Society.

The discussion focused on how the industry can move from awareness to meaningful action on crew welfare. Panelists shared practical recommendations, ongoing initiatives and key areas of work that require stronger collaboration, including seafarer wellbeing, mental health, working and living conditions, and the need to ensure that welfare remains a core priority across the maritime value chain.

Session #7: Crew Protection and Anti-Corruption Compliance

Kasper Nielsen, Lead EME Region and Seafarer Engagement, Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), highlighted that corruption cannot be addressed by individual companies or seafarers alone; collective industry action is essential to shift corrupt demands from being perceived as “normal” to being recognized as unacceptable, while also protecting frontline personnel.

He emphasized that corruption undermines safety by increasing the risk of human error, creating wider societal costs, and contradicting modern ethical business standards. In this regard, support systems beyond the vessel, such as preparation tools and official collaborations, are critical to true crew welfare, helping reduce stress, delays, and unsafe conditions. “MACN’s Help Desk model has successfully supported thousands of vessels and resolved over 200 incidents, proving that preparation, reporting, and on-the-ground support can make port calls safer and more predictable,” he said.

Session #8: Nutrition at sea​

Coby Sella, CEO, Agwa, highlighted that the industry must treat nutrition with the same rigor as fatigue management, by implementing monitoring, data collection, and inspections in line with the 2024 MLC requirements. “Rest and exercise are already closely monitored as part of efforts to ensure that crew are functioning properly and are less exposed to safety-related challenges. We believe that nutrition should be measured and monitored in a very similar way,” Coby highlighted. He also noted that poor nutrition, especially when there are dietary gaps, can contribute to fatigue and make it much more difficult to manage. This, in turn, can compound physical tiredness between watches.

Coby recommended the adoption of onboard hydroponic systems to provide continuous access to fresh greens, supporting crew health, morale, and operational safety. In this regard, stakeholders should prioritize pilot deployments and correlation studies to better quantify nutrition’s contribution to seafarer performance and vessel resilience.

Session #9: Empowering Seafarers Through Physical Wellness – Panel Discussion

In this panel, moderated by Sandra Psychogiou, Editor-in-Chief of SAFETY4SEA, experts shared their perspectives on physical wellness at sea. Speakers included Dr. Maria Carrera, Lecturer, World Maritime University; Kostas Katsoulieris, P&I Claims Director – Greece, NorthStandard; Dr. Christian Didoy Lubaton, Managing Director, Nordic Medical Clinic; Dr. William Moore, Global Loss Prevention Director – S.V.P., The American P&I Club; and Coby Sella, CEO, Agwa.

The panelists explored the key factors shaping physical wellbeing at sea, including fatigue, nutrition, exercise, lifestyle habits, shore leave and prevention. The discussion highlighted that physical wellness is not only a matter of personal health, but also a critical element of safety, resilience and operational performance. Speakers also emphasized the need for practical, sustainable measures that support healthier daily routines onboard.

Session #10: Mental Wellness

Stella Kakouri, Associate General Manager, OneCare Group, explained that mental resilience is the ability to adapt to stress and recover from setbacks. She emphasized that resilience is vital for seafarers working under demanding conditions, noting that leaders can help build it through supportive policies and regular pulse checks, while individuals can sustain it through routines, social connections, and help-seeking. Strengthening resilience, she noted, can positively impact safety, performance, and onboard culture. “Seafarers spend long hours in close quarters, often far from home, under continuous operational pressure. And when stress builds, it doesn’t just affect one person. It affects teamwork, communication, and ultimately safety,” Stella said.

As she explained, when leadership values wellbeing, it creates a culture where resilience can thrive. Concluding, she suggested practices such as mindfulness, journaling, or creative hobbies, which can give the mind a much-needed break. “Most importantly, recognize when stress is building and do not hesitate to reach out. Resilience includes knowing when to seek help. When we strengthen mental resilience, everyone benefits,” she said.

Tanuja Babre, Head of Swastha, Circle DV, noted that mental health issues often represent only the tip of the iceberg. “The nature of seafaring itself makes it a high-risk occupation. Isolation, fatigue, and limited access to support are all structural aspects of the job. These are not new or additional challenges; rather, the design of the job itself includes risk factors that can further increase mental health vulnerabilities,” she said.

Tanuja highlighted that the maritime industry must move from good intentions to concrete action by prioritizing psychological safety across all levels — leadership, peers, and systems — and by linking it directly to welfare performance metrics. Mental health support, she stressed, should be viewed as a must-have minimum standard with clear business implications, as failure to invest in this area risks creating a less resilient, productive, and sustainable workforce. As such, she recommended immediate steps, including designing multi-layered safety nets, implementing proactive interventions, and strengthening accountability mechanisms to create environments where seafarers feel safe to voice concerns early.

Suchita Gupta, Senior Psychologist & Coordinator, ISWAN India, stressed that physical and mental health are interconnected, and that small, consistent actions can help protect seafarers against anxiety at sea. While stress is a normal part of seafaring life, she noted that individuals have accessible tools, such as the HEART framework, to manage it more effectively.

The HEART framework for wellbeing includes: Habit for the body, such as routines around eating, exercise, and sleep; Emotional check-ins, including music, hobbies, journaling, and humor; Activate your mind, through reading, learning, and screen breaks; Reach out, by connecting with family and crew; and Think forward, through goals, vision boards, and future plans. “Stress tends to spike when we focus all our energy on things we can’t change: the weather, the contract length, or what is happening at home. But there are always things within our control: how we respond, how we look after ourselves, and who we talk to. We must always shift our focus to the things we can control,” Suchita said.

Session #11: Advancing Mental Wellness Onboard – Panel Discussion

In this panel, moderated by Dr. Penelope Robotis, Chief Psychologist at IMEQ Center, experts shared their perspectives on advancing mental wellness onboard. Speakers included Dr. Syed Asif Altaf, Global Wellbeing Program Coordinator, International Transport Workers’ Federation; Dr. Pennie Blackburn, Director and Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Waypoint Maritime CiC; Edward Clark, Head of Communications, The Seafarers’ Charity; Sofia Rizou, Member, WISTA Hellas; Dr. Michela Terrei, Psychologist, I.M.A. Assessment and Training Center, Inc.; and Tineke Zoet, Maritime Workplace Coach.

The discussion focused on the mental health challenges affecting seafarers, the barriers that may prevent them from seeking help, and the practical actions needed to build a more supportive, stigma-free and psychologically safe maritime workplace. Panelists shared concerns about the mental health issues observed among seafarers and emphasized the need for early support, stronger awareness and open communication.

Session #12: Seafarer Health: Challenges, Awareness, Solutions – Panel Discussion

In this panel, moderated by Capt. Yves Vandenborn, FNI, Head of Loss Prevention Asia-Pacific, NorthStandard, the following experts shared their views on how the industry can move from reactive medical care towards a more preventive, holistic, and sustainable health model for seafarers: Laura Benzonana, Chief Operating Officer, Health4Crew; Emma Mark, Executive Coach & Maritime Retention Specialist, EJB Maritime; Dr. Claire Pekcan, Learning & Development Client Relationship Manager, V.Group; George Pitaoulis, Head of Marine Personnel, Nakilat; Dr. Joachim von Pritzbuer, Medical Director, Marine Medical Solutions; and Dr. Sue Stannard, Chief Medical Advisor, International Maritime Health Association.

The discussion focused on the current state of seafarer health and the alarming health issues observed among crews. Experts suggested practical measures to help reduce health-related risks and improve occupational health conditions onboard. They also discussed the emerging health challenges that require greater attention as shipping undergoes the energy transition and adopts new technologies.

Session #13: Seafarer Health

Laura Benzonana, Chief Operating Officer, Health4Crew, noted that health risks vary significantly by age and nationality. For instance, obesity rates rise to 70% among seafarers over the age of 50, while specific nationalities show distinct health profiles, highlighting the need for tailored wellness interventions. She explained that consolidating five key data sources – pre-employment medicals, telemedicine consultations, pharmacy records, mental health data, and P&I claims – could save the maritime industry an estimated $168 million annually. Concluding, she highlighted the critical need to leverage existing pre-employment and clinical baselines to identify and mitigate health risks before they escalate into costly diversions or life-threatening events.

David Patraiko FNI, Director of Projects, The Nautical Institute, and Capt. Chris O’Flaherty AFNI, Senior Technical Adviser and IMO Lead Delegate, The Nautical Institute, stressed that seafarer fatigue remains a complex, long-standing issue that continues to threaten maritime safety, despite decades of regulatory efforts. They emphasized that fatigue is not merely a personal management issue for mariners, but a systemic challenge driven by inadequate manning, high-pressure port operations, and administrative overload. The Nautical Institute has launched the STEER project, a two-and-a-half-year initiative supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, designed to evaluate how technology impacts seafarer wellbeing and professional judgment.

Session #14: Building Soft Skills for a Future-Ready Crew – Panel Discussion

This panel, moderated by Kostas Katsoulieris, P&I Claims Director – Greece, NorthStandard, addressed the important topic of soft skills in the maritime industry. The following experts discussed the priorities for supporting soft skills development across the sector: Stewart Bankier, Group Director Maritime HR (Learning and Development), Columbia Group; Rob Gale, Head of Training, IMEC; and Selena Jones, CEO, Seaman Solutions.

Panelists highlighted the critical need to update the STCW Convention to reflect the changing skills required in shipping, as well as the concerning predictions around a shortage of qualified crew in the context of the green transition and digital transformation. They also suggested practical measures and ways to foster a new mindset across both the current and future maritime workforce, helping seafarers adapt to new realities.

Session #15: Women in Maritime

Dr. Angelica Baylon, External Relations Director, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, representing various maritime institutions, including the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, outlined the transformative role of women in the maritime sector. She focused on the industry’s shift from a traditionally male-dominated sector to one where women are increasingly integral to operations, education, and management. Key themes included the strategic importance of gender diversity, the role of international maritime organizations in setting professional standards, and the specific impact of women on crew welfare, mental health, and workplace culture. “Let us continue to respect, recognize, and celebrate the contribution of women at sea and offshore. Because when women succeed, our whole industry succeeds and every crew member benefits,” she said.

Session #16: Women in Maritime: Addressing Challenges and Best Practices – Panel Discussion

This panel, moderated by Capt. VS Parani, Vice President – Marine, Tufton Asset Management, focused on removing the barriers that still prevent women from entering, remaining, and progressing in maritime careers. The following experts participated: Jessica Brannan, CEO, Safer Waves; Sanjam Gupta, Founder, Maritime SheEO; Katie Lea, Global Director, Marine Learning & Development, V.Group; and Raj Kehal, CEO, Women in Ports.

Experts acknowledged that diversity is directly linked to the long-term resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness of shipping. Inclusive organizations are better positioned to strengthen innovation, improve decision-making, attract talent, and enhance operational performance. In that regard, they explored initiatives, measures, and partnerships that can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in maritime.