Officer Seminar in Kochi and Chennai

More than 200 officers came together in Kochi and Chennai for a series of seminars focused on safety, performance and wellbeing. The sessions reflect our continued effort to strengthen safety culture across all ranks.

The seminars gave our leadership a clear forum to reinforce expectations on performance, safe operations and personal wellbeing.

Safety Culture Starts With Officers

“Safety is a daily behaviour, not a slogan,” said Capt. Krishna Bharathan, Assistant General Manager, HSSEQ. His session reviewed incidents and examined why they occur, even when procedures, training and competent teams are in place.

Through real case studies and candid discussions, participants explored the impact of shortcuts, complacency, inadequate supervision and risk normalisation on operational safety. 

The session emphasised that procedures alone do not prevent incidents; consistent application, vigilance and leadership do. Officers were encouraged to actively promote stop work authority, strengthen toolbox meetings, improve near miss reporting and foster greater accountability onboard. The discussion reinforced a core principle of Fleet's safety culture: safety is not a priority that changes with circumstances, but a value that guides every decision.

Leading Through Client Expectations

For officers, performance goes beyond technical delivery. It depends on clear communication, consistent standards and reliable operations onboard.

The Performance Expectations session, led by Mr Amitabh Gupta (GM, Technical) and Mr Samrat Bannerji (DGM, Technical), challenged officers to view vessel performance through the eyes of the client. The discussion moved beyond internal metrics to focus on what owners value most: reliability, transparency, proactive communication and consistent delivery. 

Through practical case studies and interactive discussions, participants explored how small behaviours, timely reporting and ownership of issues directly influence customer trust

Wellbeing: A Performance Enabler

Wellbeing has a direct impact on how ships operate. It affects alertness, judgement and teamwork.

Capt. Randhir Mahadik, Head of Fleet Care, and Divya Nair, in-house psychologist, highlighted the critical link between wellbeing, safety and operational performance. They introduced officers to the wide range of support services available through Fleet Care, including psychological support, crisis assistance, family engagement programmes and wellbeing training initiatives. Participants discussed the practical challenges seafarers face, from stress and fatigue to isolation and family separation, and explored how early intervention and open communication can contribute to healthier onboard environments. 

The session reinforced that wellbeing is not separate from performance; when seafarers feel supported, connected and resilient, they are better equipped to make sound decisions, work safely and contribute to effective vessel operations.

Leadership vision

Jagjit Singh, Executive Director, Tankers, spoke about pride, professionalism and ownership. He reinforced that our direction depends on safety, reliability, customer trust and a people-first culture.

Drawing on real operational experiences, he encouraged officers to reflect on the gap between expectations and onboard reality, while reinforcing the importance of safety excellence, operational reliability, customer trust and a people first culture.

He highlighted that procedures only work when they are followed consistently. Open communication depends on leaders creating space for people to speak up. Safety becomes a value when officers protect it under pressure.

He encouraged officers to make toolbox meetings more engaging, protect rest hours, support Stop Work Authority and create an environment where concerns can be raised without hesitation.

Long Service Recognition

Across both seminars, one point stood out. Many attendees have built long careers with us. The average service length was 13 years.

This reflects our ability to retain and develop experienced seafarers, many of whom now serve at senior officer level.

We also recognised long service milestones, with awards presented to officers completing 15, 20 and 25 years.

The Way Forward

The seminars reinforced a clear message. Safety and performance are closely linked. Officers connect them through daily discipline, strong leadership and consistent ship–shore alignment.

We will continue to support our seafarers with practical learning that reflects real vessel operations. This helps every team deliver safe, reliable and consistent performance for every voyage.