Research has shown that operational safety and a healthy workforce equals good business and profitability. “Yes, it is a proven fact, a workforce that is healthy & well, rates high on the happiness index and is amenable to working in a safe and compliant manner. This, in turn, improves overall productivity and performance – a win-win for all!” expresses, Capt Rajesh Tandon, CEO, Foreign Ship-owners Representatives and Ship Managers Association (FOSMA).

Capt Tandon continued further that it was in 2019 that FOSMA, in partnership with ISF Group & 3CUBE, had introduced a programme which synergised these 2 key elements. Spread over 4 days, this program focussed on the Ratings, which unlike the usual chalk & talk training courses, focussed on live experiences of the participants and created an environment of inclusive interactions, thereby making the programme meaningful for them.

“In January this year, following a break necessitated by the pandemic, FOSMA is pleased to announce the resumption of the SOPEX & YH360 programme which was held from 16 to 19 January at Mumbai,” adds Capt Tandon.

Safety and Operational Excellence Program for Ratings (SOPEX)

SOPEX is designed with an aim of ensuring continuous development of Indian ratings in a scenario where technology is changing fast, and the Indian ratings are gaining grounds and increasingly finding more berths on board foreign ships.

The first program SOPEX addresses the current gaps in the competence of the ratings generally observed by the member lines. These include:

• Strict adherence to key regulatory requirements that are applicable on board like Drug and Alcohol Policies, Security, MLC, Audits and Inspections
• Commitment to personal safety and professionalism
• A risk-based approach to safety and ability to identify safe and unsafe behaviours at work to correct situations through assertive communication
• Ability to play an active role in various emergency and contingency situations
• To operate as an effective team member on board – Team building exercises to be conducted with each batch

In an interactive workshop, the groups of ratings were given shipboard situations and asked to brainstorm on how they would ensure risk avoidance and safe behaviour-based approach to work. The facilitator’s role was essentially to guide them in the right direction and correct any gaps in their approach. Use of VIRTUAL REALITY – META Oculus VR headset were used during this program to cover various aspects such as – Enclosed Space Entry Procedures, Mooring Hazards, CO2 Activation, Foam Fire Fighting system line up and activation, etc. Virtual reality was specially added to make all ratings comfortable with use of technology. There was very active participation by all participants resulting in effective transfer of knowledge and attitude.

“It is envisaged that this program will be further improved with modifications that meet all member lines requirements. The intention would be to develop future programs based on the feedback not only from the member lines, but also the seafarer participants to ensure that the ratings are future ready at all times and have the ability to play an active role in operations on board,” articulated Mr Pushkal Kapoor, Senior Manager, ISF Maritime Services Pvt Ltd.

Your Health 360 degrees (YH-360)

The course structure on YH 360 covered topics of ‘Sweat, Unwind, Check, Connect, Express, Satiety (Eat), Sleep, Managing Stress and Anti-Anxi-Tea’ and were presented by Dr Prasad Shetty, Dr Niraj Ravani & Mr Suyash Karangutkar. The topics were complemented by activities in

between of each element so as to make the sessions interactive. The activities conducted were to enhance focus, team spirit and build a cohesive environment in the training room. The information disseminated on the human element of health &       wellbeing was  received well by the participants especially during the tough times of COVID-19. We concluded our session with our Fitness/Yoga Instructor demonstrating body-weight exercises, yoga asanas and sound healing.

A lot of information exchange was carried on   between the participants as they shared their experiences while onboard particularly during COVID.

“This helped us to gauge and also gave us further insights on a seafarers’ life when onboard. Their challenges which were spoken about helped us share coping mechanisms for specific situations,” informed Mr Ravjyot Khuman, Director, 3Cube Services.

In conclusion, Capt Tandon said, “We are excited at the uptake from our members, and given the interest and feedback from the participants as well, we propose to run this programme frequently, at no cost to the seafarers or the member lines.

Marex Media