The Kandla Seafarers’ Welfare Association (KSWA), an institution dedicated to the welfare of maritime professionals, marked its presence at the prestigious ISWAN (International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network) 2024 Seminar, hosted at the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) in Mumbai. The event served as a confluence for maritime stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the globe.
KSWA’s booth was a focal point of the seminar, attracting considerable interest from international delegates. The association showcased its innovative initiatives, including comprehensive welfare programs, mental and physical health support, and community-building efforts tailored specifically for seafarers.
The seminar, graced by Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, as the Chief Guest; Captain J.C. Anand, the Varuna Awardee and the Master Mariner of India; & René Anderson, CEO Sea Health & Welfare; and attended by foreign delegates from different countries, provided an invaluable platform for thought leadership and collaboration. Captain Pradeep Mohanty, Deputy Conservator of DPA and President of KSWA, contributed to the proceedings by facilitating panel discussions on advancing seafarer welfare and addressing emerging challenges in the maritime sector.
Representing KSWA – DPA, Kandla, were Captain Pradeep Mohanty; Rajan Pillai, General Manager of KSWA; and Juhi Dadlani, Assistant Manager of KSWA. Their presence underscored KSWA’s unwavering commitment to seafarers’ well-being. The team actively highlighted India’s only dedicated Seafarers’ Centre at Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla, a facility uniquely offering online and offline procurement services exclusively designed for maritime professionals. Notably, KSWA is the sole seafarers’ welfare center among India’s major ports and one of the few globally to provide integrated shopping facilities for seafarers within the port premises.
Throughout the seminar, KSWA representatives engaged in dynamic discussions with global counterparts, emphasizing the association’s efforts in creating a secure and supportive environment for seafarers. The interactions provided a valuable exchange of ideas, spotlighting best practices and innovative approaches to welfare enhancement.
Foreign delegates commended KSWA’s initiatives and its forward-thinking strategies to meet the evolving needs of seafarers. This participation reinforced KSWA’s standing as a pivotal contributor to the global maritime discourse on seafarer welfare and safety.
