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Centred on the theme Attract, Retain, Sustain: Supporting the Wellbeing of Seafarers and their Families, the seminar focused on key transition points in a seafarer’s career, from the first voyage to long-term retention. Through panel discussions, programme launches, and direct conversations with seafarers and families, the event highlighted the importance of structured induction, strong shore-based support, and meaningful family engagement in building a resilient and future-ready maritime workforce. 

The session opened with Mr. Deepak Shetty, IRS (Retd.), Former Secretary to the Government of India, Former Director General of Shipping, and ISWAN Trustee, who welcomed participants and set the context for the day. Drawing on his extensive experience, he emphasised the importance of early career support, structured induction, and family engagement in improving retention and sustaining long-term wellbeing in the maritime workforce. 

Dr. Malini V. Shankar, IAS (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, Indian Maritime University (IMU), joined as Guest of Honour and highlighted the role of maritime education and training institutions in preparing future-ready seafarers. She stressed the need for holistic preparation that balances technical competence with emotional resilience, ethical practice, and family awareness, particularly for young cadets entering the industry. 

Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Guest, Mr. Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, Government of India, reaffirmed that seafarers’ welfare remains a clear national priority. He briefly referenced the Memorandum of Understanding between the Directorate General of Shipping and ISWAN as a framework for collaboration, and highlighted key focus areas including mental health, safety, family welfare, training, and preparing seafarers and families for life at sea. 

Representing the Platinum Sponsor, Fleet Management Limited, Capt. Randhir S. Mahadik offered a brief greeting, followed by a recorded message from Capt. Deepak Correa, Chief Operating Officer, Fleet Management. Capt. Correa underscored the industry’s responsibility to place people at its centre, highlighting Fleet Management’s focus on seafarer wellbeing through its Fleet Care initiatives. He concluded by reinforcing the importance of attracting, retaining, and sustaining seafarers through confidence, care, strong family support, and a robust shore bridge connecting vessels to home. 

Key Launches at the ISWAN – India Seminar 2025

The seminar featured the launch of three important ISWAN initiatives, each designed to strengthen support across a seafarer’s journey, from first sail to family life and shore-side engagement.

Launch of ISWAN’s SEAS Induction Programme:

ISWAN launched the SEAS Induction Programme, created to support final-year cadets and newly joining seafarers as they transition from training institutes to life on board. Building on three years of successful SEAS sessions delivered across maritime training institutes and companies, the programme has been specifically designed for those about to sail for the first time.
Developed following extensive consultations with MTIs, shipping companies, and seafarers, the programme addresses real challenges faced during the early stages of a maritime career. It focuses on preparedness, emotional wellbeing, teamwork, and family connection, helping young seafarers begin their journey with confidence and resilience, and supporting long-term retention in the industry. You can access the SEAS pitch deck here.

Launch of Together in Care: A Workshop for Shore Staff: 

ISWAN also introduced Together in Care, a specialised workshop designed for shore staff who play a critical role in supporting seafarers and their families. The programme was developed in response to strong industry feedback highlighting the need for structured training for shore teams.
Informed by a survey of seafarers across ranks and grounded in real casework from ISWAN’s Family Outreach Programme, the workshop focuses on practical communication, psychological first aid, and resilience. It aims to strengthen trust, understanding, and effective support between shore staff, seafarers, and families. Access the Together in Care workshop pitch deck for shore staff here.

Launch of Sailing Together: A Family Handbook to Support Seafarers at Sea and Ashore: 

The session also marked the launch of Sailing Together, ISWAN’s new family handbook developed under the Family Outreach Programme. The guide recognises seafaring as a shared journey, shaped equally by life at sea and life at home.
Drawing from real experiences shared through ISWAN’s helplines and family engagements, the handbook offers practical guidance on communication, emotional wellbeing, financial planning, crisis management, and reintegration. ISWAN acknowledged Fleet Management for their collaboration and support in strengthening the accessibility and reach of this resource, reflecting a shared commitment to seafarer and family wellbeing. Access Sailing Together, the family handbook for seafarers and their families here.

Charting the Course: Seafarers’ Voices:

A dedicated rapid-fire session, Charting the Course: Seafarers’ Voices, placed seafarers and their families at the heart of the seminar. Through an open and interactive exchange, cadets, ratings, officers, and family members shared real experiences of life at sea and at home, highlighting the challenges, expectations, and emotional realities of the profession. These firsthand perspectives helped ground the day’s discussions and set a strong context for subsequent panels on induction, shore-side support, and seafarer wellbeing.

Moderated by: Capt. Samarth Sinha – Sailing Master, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement
Panellists:
Aayushi Gusain – Deck Cadet, Scorpio India
Vidhya Sambhaji Patil – Seafarer’s mother
Harshana Kuveskar – Seafarer’s wife
Errol Joel Joseph Dsouza – Pumpman, Fleet Management Limited
Dhanesh Ghule Patil – Ordinary Seaman, Fleet Management Limited
Pranav Surve – Second Engineer, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company

Panel 1: First Voyage, Firm Foundations: Strengthening Induction to Secure Retention:

This panel focused on one of the most critical phases in a seafarer’s career: the first voyage. For cadets and trainees, the transition from training to life on board can be both exciting and challenging, shaped by time away from home, unfamiliar routines, and performance pressures. The discussion highlighted how structured, supportive induction practices play a vital role in building confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
Panellists explored how early experiences at sea can influence long-term career decisions and retention, emphasising the need for nurturing environments, mental health awareness, mentorship, and clear guidance. The session reinforced that strong foundations during a seafarer’s initial journey are essential for sustaining a skilled and committed maritime workforce.

Moderator: Dr. Malini Shankar, IAS (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, Indian Maritime University
Panellists:
Dr. Harish Shetty, Senior Psychiatrist
Capt. Randhir S. Mahadik (AFNI), General Manager and Global Head of Fleet Care
Mr. Gautam Parekh, Head of Marine, Mayfair We Care Ltd
Capt. (Dr.) Ashutosh Apandkar, Captain Superintendent and Principal, TS Rahaman

Panel 2: Support Ashore – Emotional Strength at Sea and at Home

This panel explored the wider emotional ecosystem that supports every seafarer, highlighting the critical role played by families and shore-based staff. While seafarers manage operational and personal pressures at sea, shore teams and families often carry the responsibility of reassurance, guidance, and continuity during moments of uncertainty and stress.
The discussion examined how emotionally supported shore staff and informed, engaged families can strengthen trust, improve communication, and reduce strain for seafarers. Panelists reflected on real-world experiences of handling sensitive situations, navigating difficult conversations, and sustaining resilience across both sea and shore. The session reinforced the importance of investing in family engagement and shore staff wellbeing as key pillars of long-term retention and a healthier maritime workforce. 

Moderator: Simon Grainge, Chief Executive, International Seafarers’ Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN)
Panellists:
Capt. Gaurav Rana, Founder, Sea and Beyond
Homi Bharda, Chief Culture Officer, Campbell Shipping Group
Sarika Joshi, Manager Fleet Personnel, Emarat Maritime, LLC
Capt. Ashok Srinivasan, MBA, AFNI, Regional Manager and Technical Advisor, BIMCO

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by ISWAN’s Mr. Chirag Bahri, expressing sincere appreciation to all speakers, panellists, moderators, seafarers, families, cadets, and participants whose insights and engagement shaped meaningful dialogue throughout the day. 

Acknowledgements

ISWAN extends its heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors, whose generous support made the ISWAN – India Seminar 2025 possible:

• Platinum Sponsor: Fleet Management Limited
• Gold Sponsor: Kandla Seafarers Welfare Association
• Silver Sponsors: Emarat Maritime, Scorpio, Maersk
• Bronze Sponsors: Campbell Shipping, Marlow Navigation, Mayfair We Care, MSI Ship Management, ShipMoney, Sea Bird Medicare
• Supporting Sponsors: Anglo-Eastern, Maritime Union of India (MUI), Synergy Group, HIMT, Sea and Beyond, Equitas Bank

Additionally, ISWAN acknowledges the support of its Powered by partners Maritime SheEO, Offing, the Institute of Marine Engineers (India), the Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA), Ocean Centres India, and the Maritime Association of Shipowners, Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA); its Radio Partner Sailor Today; and Media Partners Marex Media and TradeMaker Magazine. ISWAN also acknowledges the continued support of the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India, and thanks all partners and collaborators for their shared commitment to strengthening seafarer wellbeing and support for families.