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MUMBAI: The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), an international not-for-profit maritime organisation that works to improve the lives of seafarers and their families, hosted the ISWAN Seminar 2024 at the Maritime Training Institute (SCI) in Mumbai on November 28.
Over 150 key maritime stakeholders, including maritime leaders, policymakers, shipping executives, welfare organisations, seafarers, their families, and academics, participated.
In collaboration with Gujarat Maritime University, ISWAN launched a research report addressing the disturbing issue of fraudulent crewing agents in India. The report provides actionable insights and recommendations to protect seafarers from exploitation, reinforcing the importance of ethical recruitment practices in the maritime industry.
Discussions were held on family support, fraudulent crewing agents, and the impact of decarbonisation on seafarers’ well-being, along with key launches and collaborative announcements.
Delivering the welcome address, Deepak Shetty, former Secretary to the Govt of India, Director General of Shipping, and ISWAN trustee, stressed the significance of industry collaboration in enhancing welfare initiatives.
Prof (Dr) Tanuja Kaushik, Dean of Academic Affairs, Gujarat Maritime University (GMU), spoke on legal complexities in the maritime sector, particularly fraudulent crewing practices.
Capt JC Anand, Chairman Emeritus of the Indian Register of Shipping and the seniormost member of the Indian maritime industry at 103 years of age, captivated the audience with his address. He stressed the importance of training seafarers and upholding ethical practices in maritime operations and reflected on the industry’s evolving landscape over the decades.
Rene Anderson, CEO of Sea Health and Welfare, spoke about the significance of holistic welfare approaches for seafarers. Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping, India, spoke about the “directorate’s commitment to digitising grievance redressal mechanisms and simplifying processes to ensure timely assistance for seafarers in need.”
Capt Daniel Joseph, Nautical Surveyor-cum-DDG (Tech), Directorate General of Shipping, narrated India’s approach to ensuring maritime safety and support for its seafarers.
Commander Abeer Sharma, representing the Information Fusion Centre, Indian Ocean Region (Indian Navy), provided an operational perspective on maritime security. He addressed geopolitical challenges in West Asia, maritime threats, and the importance of knowledge sharing between the Navy and the maritime industry.
ISWAN marked a milestone with the launch of the Family Outreach Programme (FOP), building on its success in the Philippines. After a trial phase in September 2024, the programme is now live and aims to provide comprehensive support to seafarers’ families.
ISWAN and TISS also formalised a partnership aimed at enhancing the mental well-being of seafarers and their families. The collaboration leverages TISS’s expertise, including its iCall helpline, a free mental health support service available to all.
Simon Grainge, Chief Executive at ISWAN, delivered the closing remarks, summarising the multiple topics of focus.
Chirag Bahri, International Operations Manager at ISWAN, delivered the vote of thanks to participants, guests, moderators, panellists, sponsors, and supporting organisations.
The seminar also featured an interactive app-based contest with the winner receiving a Bluetooth speaker.
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