By Capt Bjorn Hojgaard

The Government of India published a white paper on seafarers' well-being recently. At Anglo-Eastern, we are deeply committed to the well-being of our seafarers, ensuring that their lives on board are not just safe and secure but also conducive to personal and professional growth.

Firstly, I commend the Government of India and the Directorate General of Shipping for their comprehensive approach to enhancing the welfare of seafarers. Initiatives such as the Crisis Management Group and the proposed Comprehensive Grievance Redressal Mechanism reflect a proactive stance in addressing the challenges faced by seafarers. These measures align closely with our own commitment to providing a supportive environment for our crew, as outlined in our "WECARE" program.

The white paper's focus on mental health, safety, and streamlined processes mirrors many of the initiatives we have implemented at Anglo-Eastern. Our "WECARE" program prioritizes the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our seafarers through initiatives such as mental health webinars, confidential support systems like the Anglo-Eastern Reach Programme (ARP), and wellness surveys that allow us to continually assess and improve our support systems.

While the white paper outlines several promising initiatives, I would suggest further emphasis on the following areas to enhance their effectiveness:

1) Integration of Technology: Expanding digital solutions, such as the proposed web-based grievance redressal system, can greatly improve accessibility and responsiveness. At Anglo-Eastern, we have seen positive results from implementing digital platforms like the “WECARE” app, which provides seafarers with easy access to support and information.

2) Mental Health and Resilience Training: The collaboration with NIMHANS is a commendable step. It might also be beneficial to incorporate on-going mental health resilience training as part of mandatory courses for seafarers, ensuring that they are better equipped to handle the unique stresses of life at sea.

3) Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing clear and regular feedback channels for seafarers, as we do through our Seafarer Feedback Rating surveys, can provide invaluable insights into the effectiveness of these initiatives and highlight areas for improvement.

 Anglo-Eastern is keen to collaborate with government bodies and other stakeholders in the maritime industry to further these goals. By sharing best practices and learning from each other's experiences, we can collectively enhance the welfare of seafarers worldwide. I am optimistic that the measures outlined in the white paper, along with the continued efforts of companies like Anglo-Eastern, will lead to a significant improvement in the lives of seafarers.

(The author of this article is the chief executive officer of Hong Kong-headquartered Anglo-Eastern Univan Group – a global provider of independent ship management services)