Maritime Industry
Wellness at Sea training – Africa
In partnership with ITF Seafarers’ Trust, we are rolling out our highly successful Wellness at Sea training for cadets, ratings and trainees in Africa, laying the foundation for long-term improvements in seafarer welfare.
Based on the partnership and programme pioneered with overwhelming success in India, this training will reshape wellbeing and welfare training for the future generation of African seafarers.
With an emphasis on the importance of wellbeing and practical tools that can maintain their own and their peers’ mental and physical health, this Wellness at Sea training programme offers young African seafarers essential early exposure to the realities of life at sea.
And our experienced trainers not only supplement and enhance the existing curriculum, but they also ensure the students receive vital wellbeing training and benefit from sustained engagement and support throughout their careers.
Africa is emerging as a key expansion point for global shipping, driven by rapid population growth, improving economic indicators and increasing trade connectivity and its role as a growing source of maritime workers.
Yet Africa’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.
This underscores the critical need for targeted welfare and wellbeing programmes to support Africa’s growing seafaring workforce.
“By fostering a solid foundation and familiarising these Gen Z seafarers with welfare services from the start, it not only builds resilience but also encourages long-term engagement with the industry. This early intervention ensures they are better prepared, more confident, and supported throughout their maritime careers.”
Sara Baade, CEO, Sailors’ Society.
Key components of the programme include:
The Wellness at Sea Conference for African cadets, ratings and trainees
Empowering cadets by connecting them to the wider seafarer community, offering exposure to industry leaders, valuable learnings, insights and a platform to share experiences and aspirations.
Two-day Wellness at Sea training
Immersive training covering all aspects of wellbeing, preparing them for the challenges of life at sea.
Awareness campaign resources
Maritime schools receive materials to raise awareness of wellbeing, which can also be shared with cadets’ families, fostering a supportive environment.
Peer-to-Peer Support Groups
Structured peer groups facilitated by expert moderators, providing continuous engagement and support that extends throughout their careers.
Interactive e-learning refresher
Six months after training, cadets complete a refresher course to reinforce key wellbeing concepts.
24/7 helpline
Cadets gain access to a dedicated helpline, ensuring immediate support is available whenever needed.
School liaison support
Maritime schools benefit from dedicated Sailors’ Society liaison officers, offering guidance and additional wellbeing support.
Family Support Groups
A new initiative to support parents and families of cadets, helping them understand life at sea and how to best support their children’s mental health and wellbeing throughout their maritime journey.
Ongoing engagement
Cadets receive quarterly newsletters with updates on Sailors’ Society
in partnership with
You might also be interested in
Sign up to our industry newsletter
Keep me up-to-date on Sailors’ Society news, events and appeals.
