2024 Crew Welfare Awards: Celebrating industry’s outstanding practices

These awards shed light on successful initiatives, inspiring maritime stakeholders to learn from others’ achievements as they work to improve crew welfare. This year’s award ceremony coincided with the IMO International Day of the Seafarer; a special day dedicated to our seafarers celebrated every year on June 25th. In that regard, Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA commented:

‘’Let’s take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all the wonderful people working onboard and ashore who form the heart of shipping. As IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez correctly pointed out, Without seafarers there will be no shipping and therefore no trade.’ Here at SAFETY4SEA, we applaud their work and, through several initiatives, strive to make our seafarers feel valued.”

The Crew Welfare Awards honor best practices that can set the example for a more attractive, inclusive, and sustainable shipping industry. It is worth celebrating the good stories and giving applause to initiatives and actions that maritime stakeholders are taking to promote crew welfare and improve working and living conditions onboard!

… Apo Belokas added. 

The recipients of the 2024 Crew Welfare Virtual Awards are:

Anglo-Eastern Ship Management received the 2024 Crew Welfare Tanker Operator Award for establishing a human performance strategy that spans the entire talent development cycle from recruitment and training to welfare and advancement and has contributed to a high retention rate of over 95%. Other short-listed nominees of this category were: Arcadia Shipmanagement, TORM, V.Group and Wallem Group.

Accepting the award on behalf of the winning organization, Capt. Vinay Singh, Group Managing Director Marine HR – Anglo-Eastern, said:

Ship management is a peoples’ business; therefore, we are very honored to be awarded for taking care of our people. We run more than sixty initiatives under the We Care program, which allows us to cater to the different needs of more than 30,000 seafarers who work with us. We also have Starlink on more than thirty ships, which further enhances our helping initiatives.

Anglo-Eastern Ship Management focuses on a human performance strategy that offers career opportunities, development, training, and high welfare conditions to its seafarers. The company employs 37,000 seafarers from 42 countries and has a high retention rate of over 95%. Anglo-Eastern commits to recruitment, training, and retention policies and operates a network of post-sea training centres in India, the Philippines, and Ukraine. Anglo-Eastern also recognizes the importance of the mental health and wellbeing of its seafarers and has taken proactive measures to provide support in this area. Among many initiatives, the company has established ‘The Family Connect Program,’ which enables communication with the family members of seafarers. Anglo-Eastern extends continuous support to its employees ashore as well, providing career opportunities and a diverse, equal, and inclusive working environment. By getting to know every aspect of a ship’s operations, the company is able to meticulously plan, provision, and program its employees’ needs and focus on their development. Anglo-Eastern acknowledges that its people are central to what they do and takes many initiatives for a happier and more fulfilled workforce.

Pacific Basin Shipping Limited received the 2024 Crew Welfare Dry Bulk Operator Award for recognizing the great value of having a diverse staff of different ages, cultures, and backgrounds. The company is investing in the development of a growing number of female seafarers on its ships, currently employing 52 female seafarers on its owned ships, including 16 officers. Other short-listed nominees of this category were: Alpha Bulkers Shipmanagement Inc, Anglo American Shipping Pte Ltd , Berge Bulk, Fleet Management Limited and OSM Thome.

Accepting the award on behalf of the winning organization, Harsh Bhave, Director Fleet, Pacific Basin Shipping, said:

Pacific Basin is a firm believer in diversity and inclusion. The offices are in 12 countries, and 114 ownerships are managed in-house. Our staff come from different nationalities. As a ship owner, we should pride ourselves on providing secure and healthy workspace for all our colleagues, especially those at sea. We have focused on providing them with a caring environment to succeed in the maritime industry.

Pacific Basin Shipping Limited is one of the world’s leading owners and operators of modern Handysize and Supramax dry bulk vessels. The company operates approximately 240 dry bulk ships and employes more than 4,200 seafarers and 386 shore-based staff in 13 offices in key locations around the world. Pacific Basin commits to safeguarding a decent, healthy and safe work environment for its people onboard and ashore. The company encourages diversity of experience, perspectives and opinions, provides equality of opportunity, and strives to remove bias and barriers. Pacific Basin was an early adopter of the Hong Kong Equal Opportunities Commission’s (EOC) Racial Diversity and Inclusion Charter. Pacific Basin is also investing in the development of a growing number of female seafarers on its ships, currently employing 52 female seafarers on its owned ships, including 16 officers. Pacific Basin is a corporate member of the WISTA International and invites its female seafarers and shore-based staff to enhance their network and access to mentorship. Their continuous diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts and other initiatives have led to staff engagement, evidenced by good retention and the high satisfaction score.

MAGSAYSAY received the 2024 Crew Welfare Crew Manager Award for its ‘We Care’ program, which supports Filipino seafarers and their families by promoting crew welfare initiatives, providing training and skills development, and offering support at every stage of their career journey, thereby enhancing their wellness and financial management. Other short-listed nominees of this category were: Danica Crewing Specialists, Elvictor Group, Senator Crewing (Manila), Inc and V.Ships.

Accepting the award on behalf of the winning organization, Arnold B. Javier, President, Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, said:

Magsaysay promotes crew welfare in partnership with principals through active endorsements and programs like advocating free internet access for the crew, making them continue to be connected with their families, balanced diets, nutritious meals, recreational facilities onboard, and training that not only upskills but also enhances system wellness and financial management. 

For 75 years, MAGSAYSAY has been navigating Filipinos towards their dreams and enriching their and their families lives to bring comfort and safety. Throughout those 75 years, 70,000 unique seafaring stories have been told and there has been one thing that remained the same and ever present – MAGSAYSAY has been their career partner all those years. MAGSAYSAY relentlessly has showed the value of We Care in every step of their career journey. MAGSAYSAY promotes crew welfare through active endorsement of training that do not only upskill Filipinos seafarers but also improve their wellness and financial management. While they are on shore, they are invited to different webinars aside from the annual crew and officers’ conferences of the ship owners in partnership with MAGSAYSAY. In a year, around 31 webinars are organized with 100 to 130 attendees each. Certified training is being offered through accredited training centers and institution partners as part of their individual career development plan. In the next coming years, MAGSAYSAY will formally open a competency management system platform, the JumpIn CMS. This platform, which currently has 165 competency courses, will motivate crew to aspire to higher positions and provide an in-depth analysis and tracking of their growth.

OneCare Group received the 2024 Crew Welfare Service Provider Award for offering 24/7 direct access to medical expertise and mental health support to seafarers through its digital platform and support helpline which is manned by qualified physicians and clinical phycologists. The company has also started to offer mental health ship visits through its partnership with MHSS. Other short-listed nominees of this category were: AP Companies, Baze Technology, IMEQ Center, RightShip and VIKAND.

Accepting the award on behalf of the winning organization, Stella Kakouri, Manager, Health & Wellbeing Services, OneCare Group, said:

At OneCare group we understand that mental health, training, and wellbeing of seafarers is very important. Our platform was created to provide mental and physical health support, education and training ensuring that those who are at sea have access to the care they need and growth opportunities no matter where they are in the world.

OneCare Group offers seafarers 360° support and advice for all their health and well-being needs, through its affordable and tailored digital platform. The platform addresses the full spectrum of seafarer health and well-being with 24/7 direct access to medical expertise and mental health support by qualified physicians and clinical phycologists. Alongside this, OneCare Group provides in-depth medical expertise, and its health and wellbeing services can enhance medical access and minimise health risks. It also offers drug and alcohol testing as well as a medical inventory management solution, giving vessels access to vital medical supplies and ensuring each vessel stays in compliance with its registered flag state requirements. Through collaboration with its member companies –MHSS, MMS and OLG – the wellbeing platform operates a holistic approach to the care and wellness of seafarers.  Through working with MMS, OneCare Group now offers additional services in-house to the merchant sector, including PEME management and audits and claims management for P&I Clubs.  OneCare Group handles thousands of mental health and medical cases every year, ensuring the health and wellbeing of crew members who need support or access to medical help. Last year, its mental health service served 7,000 vessels, handled 4,153 cases, and 61 critical cases.

International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) received the 2024 Crew Welfare Non- Profit Organization Award for fits ‘#SARyouOK?’ Initiative which aims to increase awareness and break down the stigma attached to mental health and well-being issues of SAR personnel globally. The initiative recognizes the unique psychological challenges faced by SAR personnel. Other short-listed nominees of this category were: InterManager, Maritime Just Transition Task Force, Seafarers Hospital Society, Swedish Maritime Administration and Waypoint Maritime CiC.

Accepting the award on behalf of the winning organization Caroline Jupe, CEO, IMRF, said:

Winning this award is a testament to the power of collaboration, perseverance, and passion. It reminds us that we can achieve remarkable things when we come together and support each other. The IMRF is steadfast in its mission to enhance maritime SAR operations around the globe. This award validates our efforts to advocate, share knowledge, and foster international collaboration.

The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) is a global non-governmental organisation dedicated to improving maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations. In 2023, IMRF launched the ‘#SARyouOK? Initiative’ to support the psychological and emotional health of SAR personnel worldwide. The #SARyouOK? Initiative aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. Through workshops and training sessions, SAR personnel and leaders are educated about mental health, recognizing signs of stress and burnout, and providing support. In February 2024, a webinar was held to launch the #SARyouOK? Guidance and Best Practices Report. This initiative is crucial because SAR personnel often face traumatic and high-pressure situations that can lead to significant mental health challenges. The campaign encourages active engagement from the SAR community through social media and workshops.Using the hashtag #SARyouOK?, the initiative leverages social media platforms to spread its message and share stories about mental health across the SAR sector.

Columbia Group received the 2024 Crew Welfare Diversity & Inclusion Award for its ‘Female Cadet Mentoring Programme’ which is a mentorship programme targeting female cadets specifically in a bid to promote and encourage a more diverse industry. This programme aims to attract more women onboard vessels as well as helping to sustain their presence within the industry further than cadetship. Other short-listed nominees of this category were: Ardmore Shipping, Diversity Study Group, Wallem Group and Women In Transport.

Accepting the award on behalf of the winning organization Claudia Paschkewitz, Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Sustainability, Columbia Group, said:

The Columbia Group is committed to provide equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of any difference, this is clearly stated in our Code of Conduct. Diversity in our workforce is essential for us, it is one of our core values. With our female cadet mentorship program, we are sending out a clear signal: We put our convictions into practice.

Columbia Group has established a mentorship programme targeting female cadets specifically in a bid to promote and encourage a more diverse industry. This programme aims to attract more women onboard vessels as well as helping to sustain their presence within the industry further than cadetship. Columbia Group’s Managing Director of sustainability, diversity and inclusivity; Claudia Paschkewitz, argues that the culture surrounding women in the industry needs to change. The Female Cadet Mentoring Programme acknowledges research from the 2019 Solent University report in which it found that mentoring schemes contribute to many benefits. Columbia Group will be leveraging the expertise of OneCare Group (OCG), a renowned corporate wellbeing provider within the industry, whose services include the training of the programme’s mentors. These mentors will be senior female colleagues based in different departments onshore who will be versed in how to deal with circumstances such as sexual harassment and bullying. Each mentor will be assigned one female cadet in the whole fleet for the duration of their 12 months of sea service. This will ensure that these women are receiving both adequate and necessary support throughout their cadetship, should they need it.

Sandra Welch, CEO, Seafarers Hospital Society, received the 2024 Crew Welfare Personality Award for her valuable contribution to crew welfare. She is accountable for the creation and development of crew welfare and wellbeing programs, community development projects, as well as the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Sandra is a dedicated advocate for a Culture of Care for seafarers and their families, highlighting it as a top priority on the industry’s crew welfare agenda.

Accepting the award, Sandra Welch said:

I am truly humbled to be recognized for my contributions to keeping our seafarers safe, healthy, and happy. This is something I remain absolutely committed to, and every day I am fortunate to reflect on the so many talents that dedicated people across a variety of sectors are doing everything in their power to make the industry a place where seafarers can really thrive.

Sandra Welch is CEO at the Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS) from 2020. She joined the organization at an interesting and exciting time in its history as it moved towards its bicentenary in 2021. Sandra brought versatility and depth of experience to Seafarers Hospital Society, having occupied a variety of senior roles, including six years at Sailors’ Society. Having vast experience in the development of crew welfare and wellbeing programmes, she is acknowledged for advocating for a Culture of Care for seafarers and their families. Sandra highlights that a culture of care goes beyond occupational safety and health and relates to a whole package of benefits and support offered to seafarers and their families. Among other key projects, Sandra was responsible for the development of a toolkit of measurable KPIs that prioritise health and wellbeing. Data are being collected and analysed by Sandra Welch and the SHS research team as part of the SHS best practice review with a view to provide a formal framework and criteria for fostering a Culture of Care. Initially trained as a music teacher, Sandra later gained a Theology Degree at the University of Aberdeen, as well as gaining a master’s degree in human resource management.

Andrew Wright, Secretary General, The Mission to Seafarers, received the 2024 Crew Welfare Leadership Award for his dedication and commitment to the cause of seafarer welfare through his leadership of The Mission to Seafarers. The organization has a presence in over 200 ports across more than 50 countries, with over 70 frontline staff, around 100 chaplains, and a global network of volunteers, including those who help run the Mission’s Seafarers Centres.

Accepting the award Revd. Canon Andrew Wright said:

It is the efforts of many people that have made this period a very exciting one of development and change for us. It is a period which included the huge challenge of the pandemic, of the Ukraine war, and now of the Red Sea crisis. It’s been our great honor and privilege to sustain work throughout all periods of that time

Revd. Canon Andrew Wright has led The Mission to Seafarers for almost 12 years. He will retire from the role of Secretary General in September 2024. Prior to that, he worked with the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, supporting fishermen, active and retired, across the UK. Joining The Mission to Seafarers in 2013, his experience widened to include the 1.6 million commercial seafarers. He spent time aboard a container ship and spoke with seafarers all over the world as he met with them in ports across the 55 countries he visited during these years. During the pandemic, Revd. Canon Andrew Wright led several initiatives to support seafarers and revised the approach of The Mission to Seafarers in response to unprecedented events. The Mission to Seafarers’ teams did enormous amounts of personal shopping for seafarers, in excess of $3 million per year, enabled communication, and supported seafarer vaccination. In response to the Ukraine War, The Mission to Seafarers provided pastoral and spiritual care for those beset by anxiety and complex decision-making, as well as direct funding to support disrupted families. Throughout his tenure, Revd. Canon Andrew Wright consistently emphasized the importance of the very best partnerships with maritime stakeholders to improve crew welfare

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE 2024 CREW WELFARE WEEK HERE

EXPLORE MORE ABOUT THE NOMINATION, VOTING PROCEDURE AND THE WINNERS OF THE 2024 CREW WELFARE AWARDS