UAE Maritime Week: ‘Blue Army’ security awareness campaign

Abu Dhabi: As part of the upcoming UAE Maritime Week, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI UAE) is preparing a campaign to support seafarers and ensure their physical and mental health.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Awareness Week will be held from May 15 to May 19, 2023. During the week, the authorities will publicize the various initiatives it has launched in support of the “blues”, aiming to improve their quality of life and mental health.

Among the many initiatives launched by the Ministry to safeguard the interests of the maritime workforce, some of the most important include the ‘Support Our Blues’ initiative which provides seafarers with free medical care, the ‘Salmeen’ initiative which provides seafarers with mental health care and safety training , and the Safe Navigation initiative, which aims to raise awareness and provide training to prevent accidents at sea.

The UAE was one of the first countries to allow crew changes during the height of the pandemic, enabling the safe return of more than 240,000 seafarers, many of whom had been stranded at sea for months.

“The UAE has always prioritized the safety and security of the maritime industry and is committed to improving the living and working standards of workers in the industry,” said Hessa Al Malek, Adviser to the Minister for Maritime Affairs at the Ministry.

“The awareness campaign we launched during UAE Maritime Week is just one of the steps we are taking towards this goal. The UAE remains firmly committed to creating a safer and more sustainable maritime industry for everyone.”

“We will continue to explore all possible avenues to achieve this goal and believe that events such as Maritime Logistics Middle East (SMLME) will support our efforts by disseminating information to its vast network of shipping companies and leaders,” Say Al Malek.

This week’s flagship event, Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East (SMLME) 2023, will include sessions dedicated to the physical and mental health of industry employees.

The session ‘Addressing Mental Health and Wellbeing as Part of ESG Strategy’ will be held in support of the ‘Salmeen’ initiative launched by MOEI UAE to improve the psychological wellbeing of offshore workers in order to reduce human error which often leads to accidents. The goal is to create a positive environment that promotes the safety and productivity of local, regional and global marine ecosystems.

“We are committed to supporting the Department’s initiatives and believe that as the largest gathering place for the regional maritime sector, we have a vital role to play in supporting the industry as it enhances the safety and security measures for its personnel.

“Our strategic planning session is an important step in creating a healthier work environment for maritime professionals, which will ultimately lead to safer oceans and a more progressive industry. By bringing together mental health experts and industry leaders, we look forward to hosting meaningful Informa Markets Executive Vice President Andrew Williams added.