International maritime charity Sailors’ Society has launched full online Wellness at Sea Maritime Schools’ Conferences with a new virtual conference centre.
Sailors’ Society, which is supported by Wescom Group, expects more than 6,000 students from North Asia, South East Asia, Africa and, for the first time, the UK’s maritime colleges, to take part.
The conferences explore the all-important subject of wellness and mental health with a focus on key and current issues facing today’s seafarers and include interactive sessions and practical advice as well as presentations from key industry leaders and influencers.
More do with new virtual conference centre
Sailors’ Society CEO, Sara Baade, says, “The 2023 conferences build on the success of last year’s events, but this year there is even more to see and do with a new virtual conference centre.
“In a first, Sailors’ Society has partnered with FrontM to deliver a full virtual experience to our cadets. From a lobby and auditorium to a selection of industry booths – a virtual space mimicking a physical booth at a trade show or exhibition, cadets can enjoy the full conference experience on their laptops and phones and even browse in advance.
“We know that cadets are tomorrow’s workforce and future industry leaders, so these unique events are a must for any maritime student, giving them the tools and knowledge to help manage their wellbeing as they prepare for a career at sea.”
In 2022, more than 5,000 cadets attended virtual conferences with more than 95% saying they should form a key element in their syllabus.
The Wellness at Sea programme, which has been running for more than 10 years, empowers seafarers at all ranks to look after their own and others’ well-being. Wescom Group has been a sponsor.
As part of the programme, there is a strong focus on cadets, says Sara Baade. “Cadets are the lifeblood of the maritime industry. It’s their passion for a career at sea that keeps the engines running.
“We need to look after the next generation; understand what motivates them and what worries them. And that needs to happen from the very start of their careers and continue well beyond, to help employers retain their crews and ensure they are valued.”
Sailors’ Society is one of the largest and most comprehensive seafarers’ support charities in the world.
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