Crew welfare in focus amid rising global tensions at the 5th SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum

April 17 ------ With rising global tensions placing unprecedented pressure on maritime operations, crew welfare and safety took center stage at the 5th SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum, held at the Sheraton Manila Hotel.

The event brought together leading maritime stakeholders to address renewed concerns over seafarer wellbeing in an increasingly complex and volatile global environment. Discussions highlighted an emerging humanitarian challenge affecting seafarers operating in high-risk regions.

According to Philippine maritime advisories, more than 6,000 Filipino seafarers remain stranded near the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, while approximately 20,000 seafarers globally are impacted by restricted movement, security risks, and disrupted operations. Although assurances for safe passage have been issued, transit remains limited and tightly controlled, prolonging uncertainty for crews.

The situation has also intensified concerns around mental health. Reports indicate that extended exposure to high-risk environments has led to significant psychological strain among seafarers, echoing conditions experienced during the COVID-19 crew change crisis. While the scale is smaller today, the combination of prolonged deployment, restricted mobility, and safety concerns continues to affect crew wellbeing, reinforcing the need for sustained industry action and support mechanisms.

Opening the forum, Apo Belokas, Managing Editor of SAFETY4SEA, presented the key findings of the 2025 SEAFiT Crew Survey, noting a slight decline in the SEAFiT Index compared to 2024. While overall crew wellness remains at a satisfactory level, the survey revealed growing concerns around mental and physical wellbeing, low satisfaction with shore leave conditions, increased workload, and challenges related to food quality and career development, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement in crew welfare practices.

The keynote addresses by Samuel L. Batalla, Executive Director of the STCW Office, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Adm. Eduardo Ma R. Santos, President, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), set the tone for the forum, highlighting the evolving challenges facing the maritime workforce. They emphasized the importance of strong regulatory frameworks, investment in education, and skills development to ensure a resilient and future-ready industry. Their remarks underscored the need to balance technological advancement with human-centered approaches, ensuring that progress does not outpace the wellbeing of the people at the core of maritime operations.

Panel #1: Human Factors in the New Maritime Landscape

C/E Marl Jeffone Reyes, Business Development Manager at Magsaysay Learning Resources Inc., explored how emerging trends such as automation, digitalization, and alternative fuels are reshaping the maritime landscape and redefining the role of human factors. He highlighted the growing importance of technologies such as IoT, blockchain, and digital twins, noting that safety culture and learning frameworks must evolve accordingly, with strong emphasis on collaboration and effective communication.

Joining the discussion, Samuel L. Batalla, Adm. Eduardo Ma R. Santos, and Michael J. Estaniel, Vice President for External Affairs, FAME, contributed insights on regulatory developments and operational realities. The discussion covered regulatory updates in STCW and MLC, enhancing crew performance in complex environments, the impact of automation and decarbonization, and the critical role of safety culture and continuous learning.

Panel #2: Experience Transfer & Best Practices for a Safer Future

Atty. Iris Baguilat, President of Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc., highlighted the strategic importance of the Philippine manning industry, emphasizing that its global success is built on trust, safety, and institutional strength. She stressed that Filipino seafarers’ consistent performance underpins a major economic contribution, and any decline in safety standards could directly impact this vital sector.

Giovanni A. Tuapin, President of INTERSHIP CREW PHILIPPINES, INC., addressed the industry’s transition toward automation and decarbonization, emphasizing that human oversight remains essential. He called for a shift toward developing advanced skills, leadership, and problem-solving capabilities, enabling seafarers to evolve into highly skilled professionals capable of managing complex digital systems.

Capt. Fanis Chatzikampouris, Vetting Manager & CSO, HSQE & Crew Dept Overseer, Arcadia Shipmanagement Co Ltd, also contributed to the discussion, which focused on key industry challenges and opportunities, best practices for proactive risk management, the influence of leadership and company culture on safety performance, and the importance of learning from incidents to prevent future occurrences.

Panel #3: The Human Element at Sea: Advancing Safety Culture, Leadership & Wellbeing

Leo M. Bolivar, Country Manager of International Registries (Far East) Limited, emphasized that a strong safety culture is reflected in everyday practices such as proper use of PPE, good housekeeping, and effective teamwork. He highlighted psychological safety as a key enabler of open communication, innovation, and improved decision-making onboard.

Karen Ibanez, Clinical Operations Manager in the Philippines at Mental Health Support Solutions, discussed practical ways to strengthen psychological safety and support mental health onboard without adding operational burden, stressing that crew wellbeing is fundamental to safe and efficient operations.

Muhammad Mahadhir, Loss Prevention Manager at Britannia P&I Club, focused on heart health as a critical but often overlooked safety issue, noting the risks associated with stress, poor diet, and lifestyle factors, particularly among senior crew members.

Marville Cullen P. Espago, Country Manager at ISWAN Philippines, presented insights from helpline data, highlighting increasing mental health cases and explaining the culturally rooted concept of “ginhawa” as a relational form of wellbeing based on connection and shared identity.

Dr. Christian Angelo P. Lubaton, Managing Director of Nordic Medical Clinic, stressed the importance of early detection and intervention in mental health cases, advocating for training, awareness, and the integration of mental health into routine safety discussions.

The discussion brought together these perspectives, focusing on psychological safety, holistic wellbeing, crew health management, and the importance of leadership in fostering resilience at sea.

Panel #4: Skills & Training for Future-Ready Seafarers

Dr. Alex M. Enriquez, President of Magsaysay Learning Resources Inc., emphasized that the future of maritime lies in combining technical excellence with human development. He highlighted the need to shift from producing graduates to developing professionals who are digitally fluent, emotionally resilient, and committed to lifelong learning.

Antonio Vittorio Terrei, Data Management Manager at Elburg Shipmanagement Philippines Inc., addressed the growing workforce challenges, including an ageing officer pool and talent shortages, presenting structured career development pathways such as the Maritime Talent Development Program as a solution.

Together with Capt. Sartaj Gill, Senior Vice President, Mintra, and Josephine Le, Founder & Managing Director, The Hood Platform, the discussion explored crew shortages, the importance of reskilling and upskilling, the role of soft skills, and the need to rethink maritime education to meet future demands.

Panel #5: Seafarers’ Voice: Life, Work & Expectations at Sea

A standout feature of the forum, the final panel brought active seafarers to the forefront, offering an authentic and unfiltered perspective on life at sea. Elmer Abad, Chief Engineer, Intership Crew Philippines, Inc.; Yrhen Bernard Sabanal Balinis, Founder, Youth in Maritime Organization (YIMO); Jender Dave Degamo, Third Officer, Magsaysay Maritime Corporation; Hannah L. Escosura, Second Officer, Intership Crew Philippines, Inc. and; Erick John Roluna, Captain, Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, shared personal experiences that reflected both the challenges and aspirations of today’s maritime workforce.

The panelists discussed the realities of prolonged deployments, limited shore leave, and the pressures of operating in high-risk areas, particularly in light of current geopolitical tensions. They highlighted the importance of mental health support, clear communication with shore-based management, and access to reliable welfare services. At the same time, they expressed strong motivation to grow within the industry, emphasizing the need for transparent career pathways, fair treatment, and continuous training opportunities.

A recurring theme was the expectation for a more human-centered approach to shipping, where seafarers feel heard, supported, and valued. The discussion underscored that beyond policies and frameworks, meaningful engagement with seafarers themselves is essential to shaping a sustainable and resilient future for the industry

Source: safety4sea.com