FLEET Management Ltd., as a progressive company aims to create and promote a culture emphasising holistic wellbeing of their seafarers. Mental health is an important area that is often overlooked due to lack of awareness, social stigma, stereotypes and myths.

Socio-cultural beliefs surrounding mental health often make it difficult for seafarers to discuss mental health. As such, identification of mental health issues and reaching out for help becomes a daunting task.

“There was a strong need for us to inculcate positive mental health amongst our seafarers to dispel myths and break stigmas. The company envisioned our seafarers to understand common mental health issues, and identify early warning signs, so that help can be provided immediately.”

With wellbeing and welfare goals as their vision, FLEET reached out to Dr. Deepti Mankad who in association with Sailor Society has been conducting Psychological First Aid since Jan 2021, with the intention of making the senior ranks aware and identify the key aspects of mental health disorders, raise red flags and reach out for immediate support.

So far, FLEET have trained 1000+ senior ranks to help them understand & be aware of mental health concerns & raise alarms for immediate intervention.

Capt. Randhir Mahadik-General Manager at Fleet Management Ltd. reiterates that, “So far the course has been an immense help to us, as senior ranks are now more tolerant & proactively working towards mental wellbeing of their crew. We have been able to help seafarers in distress more efficiently. We note that seafarers are more open to talk about their job and mental health concerns, without fear of being stigmatised.”

“Even before the pandemic, FLEET recognized the need to support our community of seafarers. They have a team called FLEET Care who are dedicated to ensuring the holistic wellbeing of our seafarers. This unique team is made up of professionals from different backgrounds including aviation and hospitality in addition to two in-house clinical psychologists who provide free counselling services to any seafarer who seeks assistance. Together, they channel their shared passion to do everything in their power to nurture the health and wellbeing of our seafarers. The PFA Programme is a part of the FLEET care initiative.”

The PFA course is definitely an eye opener for maritime organisations towards understanding basic mental health issues & providing immediate aid.

Marex Media