The ISWAN Seminar 2024 in India, hosted at the Maritime Training Institute (SCI) in Mumbai, brought together key maritime stakeholders to address pressing challenges affecting seafarers and their families. Over 150 participants, including maritime leaders, policymakers, shipping executives, welfare organizations, seafarers, their families and academics, convened to explore topics ranging from discussions on family support, fraudulent crewing agents, and the impact of decarbonization on seafarers’ well-being, alongside key launches and collaborative announcements. The seminar started with a welcome address by Mr. Deepak Shetty, IRS (Retd.), Former Secretary to the Government of India, Director General of Shipping, and ISWAN Trustee, who emphasized the significance of industry collaboration in enhancing welfare initiatives. This was followed by addresses from distinguished guests: Prof. (Dr.) Tanuja Kaushik, Dean of Academic Affairs, Gujarat Maritime University (GMU), emphasized the importance of addressing legal complexities in the maritime sector, particularly those concerning fraudulent crewing practices. She highlighted GMU’s pivotal role in advancing maritime welfare research through initiatives like the GMU-ISWAN survey on fraudulent crewing agents. Prof. Kaushik also underscored the university’s commitment to fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and welfare organizations to create robust legal frameworks and promote ethical practices in the maritime domain. Capt. J. C. Anand, Chairman Emeritus, the Indian Register of Shipping, and the senior-most member of the Indian maritime industry at 103 years of age, captivated the audience with his address. He stressed the importance of training seafarers and upholding ethical practices in maritime operations and reflected on the industry’s evolving landscape over the decades. Mr. Rene Anderson, CEO, Sea Health and Welfare, spoke about the significance of holistic welfare approaches for seafarers. He highlighted the parallels between ISWAN’s work and Sea Health’s initiatives, emphasizing collaboration for the well-being of maritime professionals. Mr. Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, India, delivered the Chief Guest’s address, focusing on regulatory measures designed to support seafarers. He spoke about the Directorate’s commitment to digitizing grievance redressal mechanisms and simplifying processes to ensure timely assistance for seafarers in need. He also mentioned the MOU with ISWAN as a testament to this effort. Capt. Daniel Joseph, Nautical Surveyor-cum-DDG (Tech), Directorate General of Shipping, reinforced the Director General’s vision, commending ISWAN for its welfare programs. He emphasized India’s proactive approach to ensuring maritime safety and support for its seafarers. Commander Abeer Sharma, representing the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (Indian Navy), provided an operational perspective on maritime security. He addressed geopolitical challenges in West Asia, maritime threats, and the importance of collaborative knowledge sharing between the Navy and the maritime industry. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, offering deeper insights into India’s maritime preparedness. Panel Discussions- Family Support in Seafaring This panel explored the importance of families in bolstering seafarers’ mental well-being and resilience. Moderated by Mr. Simon Grainge, Chief Executive at ISWAN, the discussion covered strategies to strengthen family systems and the industry’s role in addressing challenges faced by seafarers’ loved ones. Panellists: Dr. Harish Shetty, Senior Psychiatrist Ms. Saleha Shaikh, Founder & Head, MUI Women’s Wing Capt. Karan Kochhar, Managing Director, Maersk Capt. Sharad Kishore, Master Mariner The Impact of Recruitment Fraud on Indian Seafarers Based on the GMU-ISWAN survey findings, this panel focused on the prevalence and consequences of fraudulent recruitment practices, featuring the testimony of Sumeet Vishwakarma, who shared his experience as a victim of such practices. Moderated by Mr. Alexander Held, Head of Commercial Turtle, the session highlighted legal, regulatory, and educational interventions to protect seafarers from exploitation. Panellists: Capt. Manish Kumar, Nautical Surveyor, Directorate General of Shipping Dr. Mohit Gupta, Assistant Professor, Gujarat Maritime University Mr. Marville Espago, Regional Manager, ISWAN Philippines Mr. Sumeet Vishwakarma, Seafarer The Impact of Decarbonisation on the Welfare of Seafarers This discussion addressed the complex challenges posed by the industry’s shift towards decarbonization. Moderated by Mr. Rajeev Nayyer, President of the Institute of Marine Engineers (India), panellists reflected on the balance between achieving environmental goals and ensuring the well-being and preparedness of seafarers. Panellists: Ms. Louise Hall, Director of Loss Prevention, Corporate Responsibility, and Marketing, The Shipowners’ Club Mr. Kaushik Seal, Director, Slabs Consultancy Pvt Ltd Mr. Karan Ahuja, Chief Engineer Mr. Chirag Bahri, International Operations Manager, ISWAN Launches and Partnerships- Family Outreach Programme (FOP): ISWAN marked a milestone with the launch of the FOP in India, building on its success in the Philippines. After a trial phase in September 2024, the program is now officially live and forms an integral part of ISWAN’s Seafarers’ Education and Awareness Session (SEAS) project. The FOP aims to provide comprehensive support to seafarers’ families, recognizing their critical role in the seafaring community. GMU-ISWAN Research Report: In collaboration with Gujarat Maritime University, ISWAN launched a research report addressing the pressing issue of fraudulent crewing agents in India. The report provides actionable insights and recommendations to protect seafarers from exploitation, spotlighting the importance of ethical recruitment practices in the maritime industry. MoU Signing with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS): ISWAN and TISS formalized a significant partnership aimed at enhancing the mental well-being of seafarers and their families. The collaboration leverages TISS’s expertise, including its iCall helpline—a free mental health support service available to all. This MoU underscores a commitment to creating meaningful mental health interventions for the maritime community. Concluding Remarks by Mr. Simon Grainge Mr. Simon Grainge, Chief Executive at ISWAN, delivered the closing remarks, summarizing the seminar’s impactful discussions. He highlighted key takeaways from the day, including the focus on mental health, maritime security, decarbonization’s impact on welfare, and the urgent need to address fraudulent recruitment practices. He appreciated the contributions of esteemed speakers for providing actionable insights. Mr. Grainge reiterated ISWAN’s commitment to working collaboratively with industry leaders, government bodies, and academic institutions to drive meaningful changes for seafarers and their families. Vote of Thanks by Mr. Chirag Bahri In his vote of thanks, Mr. Chirag Bahri, International Operations Manager at ISWAN, expressed gratitude to all participants, including esteemed guests for their invaluable contributions. He acknowledged the efforts of moderators and panellists from the day’s sessions for fostering constructive dialogue. Mr. Bahri also extended heartfelt thanks to the sponsors and supporting organisations for their support and emphasized the importance of collective efforts in advancing seafarer welfare initiatives. The seminar also featured an interactive app-based contest, with the winner receiving a Marshall Kilburn II Bluetooth speaker sponsored by Sailor Today Radio. Acknowledgements ISWAN extends its heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors, whose generous support made the ISWAN Seminar 2024 a resounding success: Platinum Sponsor: Gujarat Maritime University Gold Sponsors: Fleet Management, Kandla Seafarers Welfare Association, Maersk Silver Sponsors: Anglo-Eastern Ship Management, Bahri Ship Management, Campbell Shipping, Emarat Maritime LLC, Mayfair We Care, OSM Thome Bronze Sponsors: Teekay, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Marlow Navigation Crew & Ship Management, MMS Maritime (India), Sea Bird Medicare, Equitas Small Finance Bank Radio Sponsor: Sailor Today Radio Media Sponsor: Marex Media Additionally, ISWAN acknowledges the contributions of the Supporting Organizations, which included: The Company of Master Mariners of India, NAUGHTICA-Offing Group, FOSMA, Institute of Marine Engineers (India), INSA, MASSA, Maritime Training Institute (SCI), TURTLE, and The Shipowners’ Club. This collective effort demonstrates the maritime community’s shared commitment to enhancing the welfare of seafarers and their families. Looking Ahead The ISWAN Seminar 2024 offered valuable insights into enhancing welfare programs amidst the ongoing challenges faced by the industry. Source: International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN)Disneyland announces closure date for Red Car Trolley attractionIt’s not hard to understand the value tight end Josh Oliver brings to the Vikings. ADVERTISEMENT Just listen to the way people talk about him. “He’s an animal,” tight end T.J. Hockenson said. “Once he gets his hands on somebody, it’s kind of like, ‘Good luck.'” It was similar sentiment from offensive coordinator Wes Phillips. “He’s the best blocking tight end in the league, and that’s no disrespect to anybody else,” Phillips said. “We will take Josh over anybody in this league in the role that he’s in. It’s not only that he’s physically imposing as a 270-pound man. It’s the attitude that he plays with out there.” ADVERTISEMENT What are the Vikings losing now that Oliver has been ruled out with an ankle injury? His absence will be felt most when the Vikings try to run the ball against the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field. Though he has proved he can contribute in the passing game, Oliver has been a force in the running game since signing with the Vikings. There have been multiple times this season that Oliver had singlehandedly carved out space for running back Aaron Jones to go to work. That’s partially why Hockenson has played only about 50% of the offensive snaps since returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament a few weeks ago. Even if the Vikings are often telegraphing a run when Oliver is on the field, they don’t care because they feel that strongly about his ability as a blocker. “You see it every single week,” Phillips said. “He’s moving large men and putting them on the ground.” ADVERTISEMENT It’s safe to assume Oliver would suit up for the Vikings if he were able to do so. He’s been playing through a wrist injury for the past few weeks, for example, and has still been extremely effective at the point of attack. How tough is it to replace Oliver in a vacuum? “It’s a big challenge because of all the things he does on a snap in and snap out basis,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “We will see some guys make some impacts on some different downs and distances than we have maybe seen up to this point.” ADVERTISEMENT The only other players on the injury report for the Vikings are tight end Nick Muse (hand) and edge rusher Gabe Murphy (knee). Both players were officially listed as questionable and being full participants in the walkthrough on Friday afternoon at TCO Performance Center. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .
The United States has set Europe the task of abandoning Russian energy resources by 2027. For this purpose, in particular, an LNG terminal was built in Alexandroupoli and put into operation three months ago. "The Greek government constantly publicly emphasizes the task of abandoning Russian gas. I cannot judge how possible this is. Athens tried to replace with more expensive LNG from other countries, but this resulted in an explosive rise in fuel prices. Greek citizens were forced to pay exorbitant bills for gas and electricity," Maslov said. The share of Russian gas in Greece's energy balance in 2024 is approximately 60%, the ambassador said, citing official data from Greek gas distribution company DESFA. Yesterday, 16:58 GMT "As you can see, the commissioning of the terminal in the city of Alexandroupoli did not have much of an impact on the overall situation. Since its launch, the Greek side has not used the terminal; only Bulgarian operator Bulgargaz has purchased LNG through it," Maslov noted. Theoretically, Greece's refusal of is possible, but " " may prevail, the diplomat believes. "As for the refusal of our energy resources by 2027, then theoretically everything is possible. The question is, however, why, and whether the Greek side will be so much more for the sake of some political considerations. Politics is politics, but in some cases, elementary common sense may prevail," the Russian ambassador concluded. On Cooperation Within UNSC Russia is ready for constructive cooperation with Greece in the UN Security Council, the ambassador pointed out. "As was once emphasized in the corresponding statement of our foreign ministry, we expect that the Greek side, during its watch in the UN Security Council, will prioritize the common interests of maintaining international peace and security, and make an effective contribution to responding to modern challenges and threats. Our country is ready for constructive cooperation on this basis," Maslov said. But time will tell how it will be in reality, he added. Greece was elected to the non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for 2025-2026.Real estate brokers Tal and Oren Alexander, along with their brother, Alon, were arrested Wednesday on federal charges that they allegedly drugged and raped several women in a gruesome sex trafficking scheme. During a Lower Manhattan press conference, outgoing U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of New York Damian Williams painted a bleak picture of the trio, charging that the men allegedly ran a sophisticated sex trafficking ring between 2010 and 2021. Using their wealth influence, authorities say the Alexanders would lure women to parties and social gatherings where they carry out the purported assaults. “The Alexander brothers worked together and with others to repeatedly and violently drug, sexually assault and rape dozens of the female victims,” Williams said. “At parties at those parties, and sometimes afterward, the women were sexually assaulted by one or more of the defendants, as alleged in the indictment.” According to the company’s website, Tal and Oren Alexander are twins who work as prominent real estate brokers and founded Douglas Eillman, which employs more than 7,000 real estate agents. The twins were arrested in Miami along with Alon on sexual battery charges. The indictment alleges that the siblings, in approaching their victims, pretended to be interested in starting relationships — going as far also to fly them out to their vacation homes or on trips, only to then allegedly ply them with illicit substances that rendered them helpless. “The Alexander brothers and others procured drugs that they agreed to provide to the women, including cocaine, mushrooms and GHB, as we allege these drugs caused some of the women to be physically unable to fight back or to escape,” Williams said. “Acting alone, sometimes with each other, and sometimes with other men, forcibly raped and assaulted the women.” Despite the disturbing claims, the siblings have denied any wrongdoing. The brothers face a slew of charges, including conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking of a victim by force, fraud, or coercion. If convicted, they could face up to 15 years behind bars. All three men are expected to face extradition back to New York. “Oren Alexander is innocent. The evidence will show that neither he nor his brothers ever committed a crime,” his legal representative said in a statement. Attorneys for the other two brothers have yet to release a statement. Meanwhile, the Southern District of New York’s is asking anyone who may have been victimized by the Alexanders or their accomplices to come forward. Attorney for Southern District of New York Damien Williams. Photo by Dean MosesNasdaq surges above 20,000 after US inflation data matches estimates