Cadets
Future ready – thriving at sea.
2026 conference agenda and speakers
Conference agenda
Throughout the conference, participants will hear directly from cadets, trainees, ratings, experienced seafarers and industry leaders, sharing practical insights and real-life experiences from across the maritime sector while also being asked to give input.
08:30 – 09:20
Opening and setting the scene
- Welcome and introduction
- Why wellbeing matters for the future of seafaring
- What does holistic wellness mean at sea?
09:20 – 10:50
Social Wellness
- What is social wellness?
- Communication across rank, culture and personality
- Managing conflict in close quarters
- What does diversity mean?
- Culture and diversity onboard
- Home, digital pressure and healthy boundaries
10:50 – 11:20
Break
11:20 – 12:10
Emotional Wellness
- What is emotional wellness?
- Stress under pressure
- Anxiety, depression and trauma
- Asking for help
- Building a peer support culture
12:10 – 12:35
Physical Wellness
- What is physical wellness?
- The link between mental and physical health
12:35 – 13:20
Intellectual Wellness
- What is intellectual wellness?
- Learning from real-life maritime incidents and claims
- Seafarers’ rights and speaking up
- AI and the future of shipping
13:20 – 13:30
Spiritual Wellness
- What is spiritual wellness?
- Purpose, values and staying grounded at sea
13:30 – 14:00
The final session and thoughts about thriving at sea
- Thriving at sea: What we wish we’d known as cadets
Some of our 2026 keynote speakers
Capt. M.P. Bhasin
Indian Subcontinent
Prominent maritime leader in India, serving as the Managing Director of MSC Crewing Services in Mumbai and the Chairman of The Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI).
He is a highly influential figure in global shipping, focusing on seafarer training, green shipping initiatives, and maritime police. He serves as the head of the Indian branch of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.
He is recognised for his commitment to the welfare and professional growth of Indian seafarers, ensuring they remain highly competitive and well-trained for modern dual-fuel and sustainable vessels.
Under his leadership, MSC Crewing Services India was honoured with the prestigious “Best Foreign Employer of Indian Seafarer” award by the Government of India.
Dr Bryan Pasigna
South East Asia
Dean of the College of Maritime Education, for being named Dean of the Year at the LSDB Educational Award Program (LEAP) 2025 in London, UK!
This prestigious recognition highlights his exceptional leadership and remarkable contributions to maritime education, standing out among nominees from over 70 countries, 260 senior leaders, and 500 professors representing more than 400 institutions worldwide.
Sam Megwa
Africa and Middle East
Sam Megwa is a veteran maritime industry leader and governance expert who bridges the worlds of commercial shipping, international regulation, and anti-corruption advocacy. With over 14 years of seagoing experience, Sam rose through the ranks as a deck officer on tankers, offshore support vessels, container ships, and dredgers.
Ashore, he held senior roles at BP Shipping, Chairman of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN). Sam currently serves as Director of the Gulf of Guinea Interregional Network (GOGIN), where he spearheads regional cooperation to improve maritime security.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 CONFERENCE SOUTH EAST ASIA FUNDERS
