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DMET SAMVAAD Session XLVII — The Silent Crisis: Addressing Mental Health and Psychosocial Wellbeing of Contemporary Seafarers 🌊🧠

The DMET SAMVAAD series returns with its 47th session, tackling one of the most pressing yet often overlooked challenges in modern maritime operations: the mental health and psychosocial well-being of seafarers. Scheduled for Sunday, 8th February 2026, this crucial discussion will unfold across two time zones: 1300–1400 Hours IST and 1530–1630 Hours HKT, ensuring maximum participation from the global maritime community.



This event is proudly presented by the DMET Club, DMECA, and the DMET-MERI Alumni (Singapore) Association, continuing its mission to address contemporary maritime challenges while fostering meaningful dialogue within the seafaring fraternity.

⚓ Breaking the Silence on Seafarer Mental Health



The keynote speaker for this landmark session is Mr. Sivanand Ray, Global Head of Crewing at Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world's leading dry bulk shipping companies. With his extensive experience in crew management and maritime human resources spanning the Asia-Pacific region, Mr. Ray brings invaluable insights into the unique psychological challenges faced by seafarers in today's demanding operational environment. Pacific Basin, managing a diverse fleet and multinational crew base, has been at the forefront of crew welfare initiatives. Mr. Ray's perspective on how major shipping companies are addressing the silent crisis of mental health at sea will provide attendees with practical frameworks and real-world solutions being implemented across the industry.


The session will open with a Welcome Note by Rear Admiral Amit Bose (Retd.), Campus Director of IMU Kolkata, whose leadership continues to guide the institution's commitment to holistic seafarer development. A Special Address will be delivered by Shri Eswara Arun Kishore (Roll No.: 5020), DMET Class of 1997–2001, currently serving as Associate Professor at DMET, bringing academic and industry perspectives to this critical conversation.


🧭 Understanding the Silent Crisis


The isolation of life at sea, extended periods away from family, demanding work schedules, and the pressures of modern shipping operations have created a mental health crisis that the industry can no longer ignore. This session promises to be a candid exploration of these challenges and the pathways toward meaningful support systems.

Participants can expect to gain insights on:

✅ Understanding the unique psychosocial stressors faced by contemporary seafarers ✅ Recognizing early warning signs of mental health challenges among crew members ✅ Best practices in crew welfare and mental health support systems from leading shipping companies ✅ Building resilience and coping mechanisms for life at sea ✅ The role of shipping companies, training institutions, and maritime organizations in addressing this crisis ✅ Creating a culture of openness and support around mental health in maritime operations


💻 Be Part of This Important Conversation



Date: Sunday, 8th February 2026 Time: 1300–1400 Hours IST / 1530–1630 Hours HKT


🌊 May Auspiciousness and Peace Flow Upon Us

As inscribed in the session banner, शं यो॒र्भिः सं॑वदं नः (May auspiciousness and peace from both day and night, heaven and earth flow upon us), this session carries a profound message of hope, healing, and collective responsibility.

For serving seafarers, maritime students, shipping company professionals, and anyone who cares about the human dimension of our industry, this is an essential dialogue. Mental health is not a sign of weakness; it's a fundamental aspect of human wellbeing that deserves the same attention we give to technical competence and operational safety.

Let us break the silence together. Let us build a maritime industry where seeking help is a sign of strength, where support systems are robust, and where every seafarer knows they are valued beyond their technical contributions.


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