Northern Marine seafarers converged on Mumbai in late November to attend one of three onshore seminars – Officer, Rating, or Cadet – each aimed at broadening skills, knowledge, and awareness of Company developments.

Senior management personnel from the United Kingdom and Mumbai joined the 172 seafarers at their respective events, delivering presentations and creating an opportunity to interact in a relaxed, face-to-face setting.

‘Respect in the Workplace’ was one of the key themes discussed at the event, held in the newly opened Fairmont Mumbai, alongside operational and workforce strategies, safety, and industry vetting inspections.

A constructive feedback session allowed attending officers to share their ideas and challenges with management and engage in collective discussion on how service provision to shipowner clients can be further improved.

Captain Umang Gupta attended the Officer seminar and said: “The seminar was very well planned, organised, and presented. I thought the most important and beneficial topic was related to Respect in the Workplace and the prevention of harassment onboard. The reflective learning session on this was a great source of knowledge and will really help me enhance my crew management skills.

“We often communicate with office-based colleagues during day-to-day operations onboard via emails, but such face-to-face interactions at this event enhanced communication, built further trust and stronger relationships, and boosted collaboration and creativity.”

Following the seminar, an awards ceremony took place, where many employees, including Capt. Gupta, were recognised for their long service commitment to Northern Marine. There was also ample opportunity for attendees to socialise.

Umang added: “I am always very excited to meet old friends. Having spent 18 years with Northern Marine Management, I have the privilege of knowing so many crew members, and it is always a pleasure to interact with them.”

The events were organised by members of Northern Marine Management India.

Kamya Pohuja, Assistant Training Manager, said: “I am sincerely grateful for the increasing number of attendees each year.

“My appreciation extends to our mariners, their spouses who support them, and even those who were unable to attend but remain equally valued.

“Company events provide a meaningful opportunity to engage with our seafarers and their families in person, beyond emails and phone calls. These interactions strengthen mutual understanding and reinforce the connection we share.”

Other Northern Marine seminar events took place in Europe and Asia earlier in the year, with more planned for the future.

ENDS