Sailors’ Society and ITF Seafarers’ Trust roll out Africa training partnership

The programme will focus on the importance of wellbeing for seafarers in a programme for cadets, ratings and trainees. Students will learn about the realities of life at sea, and be shown tools to support their physical and mental health, and help maintain the physical and mental health of their colleagues on-board.  The partnership and training programme has reached almost 2,000 trainees in India within one year of its launch, the charities said.

Sailors’ Society CEO, Sara Baade, said: “While Africa is emerging as a key expansion point for global shipping and a growing source of maritime workers, the continent’s maritime welfare and wellbeing infrastructure remains significantly underdeveloped compared to other parts of the world.

“Data from our Wellness at Sea conferences reveal that African cadets have the highest percentage amongst all regions in terms of seeing a maritime career as long-term, while having the least access to welfare and wellbeing initiatives.”

The career outlook of African cadets shows the need for targeted welfare and wellbeing programmes, said Baade, familiarising Gen Z seafarers with available welfare services and supporting long-term engagement with the industry.