MUMBAI: The Maritime Union of India (MUI) highlighted the importance of seafarer welfare, mental and physical well-being, and improved working conditions during a panel discussion on “Seafarer Welfare and Well-Being” at INMARCO 2026. Capt. Savio Ramos of MUI participated as a panelist in the discussion, which was moderated by Capt. Shiv Halbe, CEO of MASSA.
During the session, Capt. Ramos outlined MUI’s ongoing welfare initiatives aimed at supporting seafarers and their families. These initiatives include medical, maternity and dental assistance, access to convalescent homes across India, and financial and other support for families facing difficult circumstances.
Highlighting the human side of maritime service, Capt. Ramos shared the case of a seafarer who had been abandoned and detained in a foreign country, leaving his family to endure significant hardship. MUI has been supporting the family by covering the children’s educational expenses for more than two years. The example demonstrated the union’s commitment to protecting seafarers’ interests and extending assistance to their families during challenging times.
Capt. Ramos emphasised that welfare and well-being are closely interconnected and must be addressed through a comprehensive approach. He underscored the importance of effective fatigue management, adequate rest before joining duty, and ensuring that seafarers on leave are not subjected to excessive training requirements. He also called for existing training courses to be reviewed and updated in line with evolving industry needs and current operational requirements.
The discussion further highlighted the importance of shore leave in promoting seafarers’ physical and mental well-being. Capt. Ramos reaffirmed MUI’s continued advocacy for shore leave and its efforts to advance women’s empowerment, gender equality and gender sensitivity across the maritime sector. He also highlighted initiatives such as Sagar Mein Samman, which seeks to promote a more inclusive and respectful maritime working environment.
The panel discussion at INMARCO 2026 provided an important platform for addressing the challenges faced by seafarers and reinforcing the need for coordinated efforts by maritime stakeholders, employers, unions and policymakers to improve welfare standards across the industry.
MUI expressed its gratitude to the organisers of INMARCO 2026, the moderator and fellow panelists for facilitating a meaningful discussion on issues that directly affect the maritime community.
The key message from the session was clear: seafarer welfare must extend beyond workplace safety to encompass health, adequate rest, family support, dignity, inclusion and overall well-being.
