Thousands more cadets in India will be able to benefit from the Sailors’ Society’s in-depth wellness training and support, thanks to additional funding from the ITF Seafarers’ Trust.
The bespoke cadet training programme, launched by a partnership between the International Trade Union Federation and Global Maritime Welfare Charity in November 2023, focuses on the importance of well-being and gives cadets the tools they need to look after their own and other’s mental and physical well-being.
Sailors’ Society CEO Sara Baade said: “We are delighted to announce an extension to this partnership that is already reshaping cadet wellbeing and welfare in India. Thanks to additional funds from the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, we can continue this ground-breaking work, extending this vital training to even more maritime schools across India.
“We know that cadets are the lifeblood of the maritime industry and it’s why we place a strong focus on equipping them for their future careers.”
The unique programme has already been lauded by the Indian maritime training institutions taking part.
Abdulgani Serang, Programme Development Manager of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, said it was important to reiterate the Trust’s commitment to this very important issue.
“We welcome the initiatives and are pleased with the prospects of the positivity it will bring in preparing cadets/trainees before and after they go out to sea”
Tirth Vakil, Operations Manager at HIMT College said: “The Wellness at Sea programme was an exceptional addition to our training for pre-sea cadets. It provided invaluable guidance on handling the unique challenges of life at sea, fostering resilience and confidence among the cadets.”
The programme offers a three-day Wellness at Sea training course that follows on from the Society’s annual cadet conference for Indian students. Schools will also be given the Society’s Wellness at Sea Awareness Campaign resources, access to a Sailors’ Society liaison officer for help when needed and a dedicated 24/7 helpline, which will be answered by a trained team who speak their language and understand the specific issues and challenges they may face.
As well as this programme, specifically for Indian cadets, cadets across the globe can join Sailors’ Society’s Peer-to-Peer Support Groups, sign up for the charity’s cadet newsletters, cadet conferences and the innovative MyWellness e-learning programme.
