On 01^st March, International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) South Asia successfully organised a half day workshop aimed at raising awareness among young seafarers on the challenges they may face at sea and to provide them with the tools to address those challenges effectively.

The workshop titled Setting Sail: Seafarers’ Education and Awareness Session was held at the spacious Maritime Training Institute in Mumbai. The workshop’s goal was to raise awareness among young seafarers about the various challenges they may face while at sea and to provide them with the tools to address those challenges effectively.

In a thought-provoking address, the Guest of Honour, Capt Shiv Halbe, CEO, Maritime Association of Shipowners Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA) praised ISWAN’s contribution to resolving issues and difficulties faced by seafarers, while also warning young cadets about the fraudulent agent’s activities. He said, “I urge you to be cautious. Use social media to strengthen your position. You need to be careful and aware of your surroundings. If you diligently follow these steps, you will not fall prey to fraudulent agents. And enjoy”

Mr Chirag Bahri, International Operations Manager, ISWAN gave a presentation on SEAS (Seafarers Education and Awareness Session), which focused on seafarers’ mental and physical well-being, piracy and maritime threats, recruitment and placement at sea, cultural adaptability, and gender sensitivity. His message, “ISWAN has been constantly taking several initiatives to make our Seafarers and young future forces better aware, prepared and empowered to help them cope with the challenges that they might have to face at sea that further improves their overall well-being at sea. The success of this workshop motivates and encourages the dedicated team at the charity to further reach out to more cadets and ratings not just in India but internationally as well. We look forward to working with like-minded organisations to take this ahead.”

Mr Michael Pinto, [I.A.S. (Retd.), Trustee ISWAN, moderated a panel discussion with industry experts including Capt Venkat Keshav (AFNI Fleet HSEQ-Risk Manager), Capt Subroto Khan (Director, TS Chanakya), Capt Tushar Pradhan (General Secretary, The Maritime Union of India), and Rahul Dwivedi (Marine Engineer). The panellists discussed the importance of being vigilant on board, as well as punitive measures that can be taken against fraudulent agents. The workshop concluded with a Q&A session in which the panellists and guests answered questions from the young cadets.

A mind-mapping quiz was also used by the team to gauge the level of understanding of the young cadets before and after the panel discussion and SEAS presentation. The findings revealed an increase in awareness of the topics, emphasising the importance of mandatory pre-departure session’s at all Indian training institutes. The workshop’s initiative has received praise from esteemed guests, panel members, and even young cadets who have taken to the internet to express their interest in attending future workshops.

ISWAN – South Asia is grateful to Capt Halbe for addressing the workshop, the expert panellists, and guests for adding value to the workshop, as well as all the young cadets for taking the time to attend and respond to the workshop activities. Our sponsors – Campbell Shipping, MTRF, ITF, SCI, Marex Media, and Sea Job without whom the workshop would not have been possible.

Marex Media