Crew Welfare: Key considerations to establish a Culture of Care onboard

The panel was moderated by Namrata Nadkarni, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Intent Communications Ltd, and included Capt. Faouzi Fradi, Director of Crewing and Training at Columbia Shipmanagement Ltd; Priyanka Gupta, HR Director (Crew Management) at Anglo-Eastern Ship Management (India) Pvt Ltd; Dimitris Patrikios, Business Advisor at V. Ships Greece Ltd; and Sivanand Ray, General Manager at Pacific Basin Shipping (HK) Limited.

What’s on stakeholders’ crew welfare radar

Regarding crew wellbeing, Sivanand Ray highlighted that the main focus, especially during and after COVID-19, is mental health. This is a crucial and sensitive topic on the industry’s crew welfare agenda, considering the numerous suicides and accidents reported so far.

There is no choice but to address mental health; otherwise, we will see its long-lasting negative impact on seafarers’ health. This, of course, will be reflected in their performance onboard,

…he said.

Sivanand Ray also stressed that other aspects of wellbeing should not be neglected, noting that the industry is already working towards overall seafarers’ wellbeing. Priyanka Gupta agreed on the importance of mental health and added other significant factors to consider.

For example, addressing career progression for seafarers is essential. “Seafarers have high expectations from their work environment. If we fail to meet these expectations, it can lead to dissatisfaction and a high turnover rate,” she noted.

In this regard, the industry needs to provide a definite career guidance program. Another crucial topic is equitable treatment onboard, which can resolve interpersonal issues due to power distance. Providing open platforms for discussion and feedback can help towards this goal.

Continuing the discussion, Dimitris Patrikios mentioned that it is positive that many discussions around crew welfare are taking place, and significant improvements and initiatives have been witnessed.

“We know the importance of our human capital in our industry, but now others outside the maritime industry appreciate seafarers’ work. A happy ship is a safe ship. As such, we need to take care of our crew and their career development, providing visible paths and open channels of communication,” Patrikios added. He commented that the challenge for ship operators is to continue supporting crew welfare.

The crew cost is not a cost but an investment for all companies

… he said.

 Capt. Faouzi Fradi added that cost is a factor in doing business, but the benefits of this investment should always be considered, and many shipowners realize the return on investment and the benefits to seafarers.

“I don’t think our industry is negative; generally, we are very positive about supporting our crew, but we need to agree on the actions around wellbeing. All shipowners should provide good internet connectivity to seafarers – this is a must today and no longer an option,” Capt. Faouzi Fradi highlighted, emphasizing the benefits of internet access on seafarers’ mental health. He also highlighted that, apart from connectivity, it is vital to provide mental health support. “Hotline and telemedicine are essential – seafarers need to know they can get medical support 24/7,” he added.

Top priorities for a good culture onboard

Discussing the non-negotiable issues for improving working and living conditions onboard, all experts agreed that internet connectivity is the number one prerequisite. Priyanka Gupta added that upskilling and reskilling seafarers is important as well.

The industry needs to invest in both technical and soft skills as there is a growing need for communication, collaboration, and other skills needed to work in a team. Other important considerations are work-life balance and digital inclusion

…she said, highlighting that the industry needs to show zero tolerance for bad practices and treat all seafarers with respect.

Sivanand Ray mentioned that many technological advancements are currently taking place, along with the decarbonization challenges introducing new equipment, fuels, and an overall new reality. These factors cause significant stress for seafarers, challenging them technically.

“Senior Officers and Engineers are already at the end of their learning curve, so it would be difficult for them to learn new things. Similarly, as we all grow older, our learning curve plateaus. Therefore, we need to address these factors and avoid the stress of not knowing something,” he stated. In this context, we must ensure a just culture and an environment where seafarers are not stressed by this new reality, blaming themselves.

When there is new business, technology, or advancements, the responsibility of ship managers and shipowners is to give the opportunity first to their seafarers and invest in their training and career development

added Capt. Faouzi Fradi.

Agreeing with other experts, Dimitrios Patrikios commented on the role of communication between ships and shore in ensuring real action towards crew welfare. “Communication means not just sending emails, posters, or circulars onboard. It means having a live conversation with the seafarers to understand their needs and challenges and adapt our policies and mindset accordingly,” he said.

Patrikios highlighted that internet access has both positive and negative aspects for seafarers’ wellbeing. The responsibility again lies with ship operators to educate seafarers on how to use the internet onboard properly and reap its benefits. Internet access brings the problems of the shore onboard ships, which can be risky and impact seafarers’ mental health, causing anxiety and distraction.

Experts agreed that education on new realities and challenges is key. Ongoing support and feedback can restore balance.

We must read the signs of our times and analyze how societies are moving and what the expectations of different nationalities are,

…Dimitrios Patrikios concluded.

Explore more by watching the panel discussion below.