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In line with the nation’s aim to support seafarers and ensure their physical and mental wellbeing, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI UAE) announced the launch of an awareness campaign during the UAE Maritime Week. Held under the patronage of MOEI UAE, the Week will take place on 15-19 May 2023. During the Week, the Ministry will promote several of its initiatives launched in support of the ‘Blue Army’, aimed at improving their quality of life and mental health.
Amongst the many initiatives launched by the Ministry to safeguard the interest of the maritime workforce, some of the most significant ones include, ‘Supporting our Blue Army’ initiative to provide free medical care for seafarers, the ‘Salmeen’ initiative to provide mental health care and safety training, and ‘Sail Safely’ initiative which aims to raise awareness and provide training to prevent accidents at sea. In addition to these initiatives, it is noteworthy to mention that the UAE was among the first countries to allow crew changes during the peak of the pandemic, enabling more than 240,000 seafarers to safely return home, many of whom had been stranded for months at sea.
H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) said: “The UAE has always prioritised the safety and security in the maritime industry, and is dedicated to improving the living and working standards of workers in the sector. The awareness campaign we are launching during the UAE Maritime Week is just one of our initiatives towards this goal. The UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a safer and more sustainable maritime industry for everyone. We will continue to explore every possible avenue to achieve this goal, and are confident that events such as the Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East (SMLME) will support our efforts by spreading the message to its massive network of maritime companies and leaders.”
Mental Health Takes Centre Stage
The flagship event of the Week, Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East (SMLME) 2023, will include sessions dedicated to the physical and mental well-being of the industry workforce. The “Tackling mental health and well-being as part of the ESG strategy” session will be held in support of the ‘Salmeen’ initiative launched by MOEI UAE, and aims to enhance the mental well-being of offshore workers to reduce human errors that often result in accidents. The objective is to establish a positive environment that fosters safety and productivity within the local, regional, and global maritime ecosystem.
The panel will include renowned mental health practitioners and industry experts, such as Ben Bailey, Director of Programme, Mission to Seafarers, Yiannis Fafalios, CEO, Care4C, Charles Watkins, Founder, Mental Health Support Solutions, Dr. Deepti Mankad, Professional Development Trainer, Wellness Coach & Counsellor, Mindspeak, and Mariangela Zanaki, Organisational Development Consultant – Psychologist, Ceosun Consulting.
Andrew Williams, Executive Vice President, Informa Markets said: “We are committed to supporting the Ministry’s initiatives, and believe that being the largest meeting place for the regional maritime sector, we have a vital role to play supporting the industry as it enhances safety and security measures for its people. Our strategically planned sessions serve as an important step towards creating a healthier work environment for maritime professionals, which will ultimately lead to safer seas, and a more progressive sector. By bringing together mental health experts and industry leaders, we look forward to hosting meaningful discussions, derive practical solutions to pressing concerns, and drive a positive change.”
