All Topics

'Mindfulness' has become a popular phrase in the last few years. Everyone says how it is beneficial to our wellbeing. However, it can be confusing to know what mindfulness actually is and how it can help us...
- Do I need to sit down in a certain position?
- Do I need a special mindfulness cushion?
- Is it the same as meditation?

We will answer all of these questions and more, as we break down what 'mindfulness' actually is, and how we can bring it into our busy schedules. This course is important for everyone as it adds crucial skills to assist us with our mental health & wellbeing.

In this course, we will discuss insomnia among seafarers, the causes of insomnia, and strategies that seafarers can use to manage or overcome it. Some of the strategies discussed include establishing a regular routine, engaging in relaxation exercises, using natural remedies and exercising regularly.

A Deck Watch has key points that all watchkeepers must follow. In line with that knowledge, all Watchkeepers are given throughout training. It is important to follow standard principles for any vessel, but watchkeepers must also have specialist knowledge that relates only to the specific vessel they are working on; such as bulk carriers.

Resilience is important to seafarers as it allows us to react in a healthy way to stressful situations. This, in turn, increases our decision-making capability when prevented by stressful situations. Making good decisions will always increase safety and lead to fewer accidents or incidents onboard.

This course is designed to help you find ways to mentally refresh after a stressful day at work. The course provides 9 tips on how to de-stress and relax for emotional well-being and improved work performance.

This course addresses the issue of digital stress and addiction we face due to the increased use of digital technology. The course explores what digital stress and addiction are, how they affect people, and how to manage them.

You will inevitably find yourself in a leadership position at some point in your career. Whether by choice or not, leading a team comes with a lot of responsibility. The success or failure of your team will often fall on your shoulders, and it is essential to be prepared for that level of accountability. To set your team up for success, you can do a few things as a leader. One of the most important things you can do is to be a mentor.

Personnel transfers are hazardous operations that can lead to injury or worse if not completed in as safe a manner as possible. The responsibility of safety for such operations lies with all involved, including those undergoing the personnel transfer.

Do you use PPE only to comply with rules and regulations? Or do you use it as part of your routine to maximise safety? Do you make excuses for not wearing PPE? Or do you use PPE during all jobs? Do you use just any available PPE? Or do you carefully choose the PPE that suits your needs and your job? If you are a leader, are you showing little involvement in ensuring that your crew is wearing PPE? Or do you set an example and encourage them to wear the appropriate PPE?

Seafarers are not immune to the negative effects of stress. In fact, the demanding nature of work and being away from their families make them more prone to stress, which when not managed properly can become a safety hazard. Thus, it is within the best interest of not only the individuals experiencing the stress, but also their peers, their leaders, and their employers to ensure that stress is limited to levels that are productive and beneficial.

The Safety I’s is a set of good safety behaviours that support a proactive and reliable safety culture. These behaviours – Insight, Innovation, Influence, Intervention, and Integration, form a safety framework that you and your colleagues can work within.

Safety reporting deals with the gathering of information on actual or potential safety deficiencies, filing reports, and taking the necessary actions to prevent similar events from happening again. It is key to take responsibility for safety so as to build a strong safety culture.