VIKAND

11/27/2025

Happy and safe Thanksgiving from all of us at VIKAND 🍁

11/25/2025

Regulations alone won't solve bullying and harassment at sea.

With new STCW amendments on bullying and harassment taking effect January 1, 2026, the framework is there, but real change requires more than compliance. The data is sobering: 8-25% of seafarers experience workplace bullying, rising to over 50% for women in maritime roles.

We see firsthand how poor leadership and relational conflict drive mental health crises onboard. Policies matter, but culture change matters more. It starts with leadership that values respect, constructive communication, and psychological safety.

Read the our latest release
https://vikand.com/press-releases/vikand-highlights-bullying-and-harassment-as-major-mental-health-concern-ahead-of-stcw-amendments/

11/21/2025

Maritime healthcare recruitment isn’t just hiring, it’s risk management.

The maritime industry depends on healthcare professionals with diverse skill sets. These doctors and nurses must navigate cultural complexity, physical isolation and logistical unpredictability, all while providing continuous, high-quality care in environments with no nearby hospitals.

Recruiting for these roles is not a transactional process, but rather a strategic exercise in finding the right mix of qualifications, interpersonal skills, intelligence and resilience.

From credentialing across multiple jurisdictions to matching clinicians with the unique demands of life at sea, the process is complex and high-stakes. The ability to source, vet and deploy skilled clinicians anywhere in the world underpins both safety and operational continuity.

Read our latest insight on why healthcare recruitment is vital for maritime operations. https://vikand.com/articles/maritime-healthcare-recruitment-is-a-high-stakes-global-industry/

11/19/2025

In its 2025 Seafarers Report, Splash Maritime and Offshore News highlights a growing reality: shipping’s human capital crunch is becoming one of the defining challenges of the decade. Companies are now rethinking how and where they recruit, expanding beyond traditional talent strongholds and investing in wellbeing with a level of urgency not seen in a generation.

“The talent dynamic is shifting, from ‘What can a crew member offer us?’ to ‘What can we offer crew members?’”

Organisations that recognise this shift, and invest in comprehensive crew support, will be better positioned to attract and retain the skilled professionals needed to navigate both the technical demands of decarbonisation and the operational pressures of modern global trade.

🔗 Read the full article here
https://splash247.com/shipping-broadens-the-search-for-seafarers/

11/17/2025

We were delighted to take part in the 2025 Omicron Ship Management Inc Crew Conference, held on 6 November 2025 in Makati City.

The full-day conference provided an important platform to engage crew members and promote safety, health, and overall well-being while at sea. The event brought together seafarers managed by Crossworld Marine Services, along with representatives from Omicron, partners, and guest speakers, all united by a shared commitment to safety, health, and well-being at sea.

Representing VIKAND, Telehealth Nurses Zarah De Plata and Melinda Galicia engaged with the audience on the topic of “Mental Health and Wellness at Sea.” During her presentation nurse Zarah underscored the importance of prioritising mental well-being and proactive healthcare among crew members, explaining how early intervention and regular health monitoring can help prevent medical issues onboard. Nurse Melinda supported the session and addressed questions from the audience.

A sincere thank you to Marios Paraskevopoulos and George Saltos for the invitation and for their continued commitment to placing crew health and welfare at the heart of their operations.

11/13/2025

A fantastic evening at the Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global Gala Dinner, celebrating the finalists of the 2025 Crew Connect Global Awards.

Our Operations & HR Director, Kate, proudly attended the dinner, which recognised outstanding contributions to crew welfare and innovation across the maritime industry.

While it wasn’t our year to take home the award, we’re incredibly proud to have been shortlisted among such remarkable companies. This recognition fuels our commitment to continually innovate and raise the standard of care onboard, making a real difference to the health, welfare, and safety of crew members at sea.

Congratulations to all the worthy winners, showcasing truly fantastic solutions that are advancing crew wellbeing and helping to build a stronger maritime industry. One that places human sustainability at its heart ❤️

11/12/2025

A 21-year-old male crew member serving onboard a cargo vessel reported a three-day history of perianal pain, swelling, and discharge accompanied by headache, dizziness, and intermittent chills.

Given the vessel’s remote location, the telehealth team at OneHealth by VIKAND promptly assessed the case and initiated treatment, including antibiotics, pain management, hydration support, and warm sitz baths. Working closely with the Vessel Command, daily updates on the crew member’s condition and treatment response enabled the telehealth clinicians to adjust care in real time, extending antibiotic therapy and revising pain control as needed.

After 11 days of continuous monitoring, the patient was safely disembarked for definitive shoreside treatment without deviation from the voyage. Throughout the case, effective coordination between telehealth and onboard leadership ensured safe, evidence-based care, safeguarded the crew member’s wellbeing, and maintained the vessel’s operational continuity.

11/10/2025

As we marked World Mental Health Day last month, Martin Hedman emphasised three interconnected priorities the maritime industry must commit to in order to ensure sustainable and equitable access to mental health care for all seafarers:

1️⃣ Education and cultural transformation
2️⃣ Adoption of global standards and policy alignment
3️⃣ Financial accessibility

These pillars are key to creating a lasting framework for crew wellbeing across the industry.

Read Martin’s full contribution in the latest Safety4Sea article, featuring insights from leading industry experts.
https://safety4sea.com/cm-mental-health-watch-expert-thinking-on-ensuring-mental-resilience-at-sea/9/

Every year, October 10 marks World Mental Health Day - a day that reminds us to support those experiencing mental health challenges and to open up conversations around mental health. Its goal is to help end stigma and encourage genuine support.

11/06/2025

New data from VIKAND reveals a clear picture of the medical challenges faced by crews onboard and underscores why the industry must rethink healthcare at sea.

Since August 2024, VIKAND’s OneHealth’s telehealth service has tracked medical encounters and follow-ups, providing unique data-driven insights into crew health. These are not rare or extraordinary conditions, but everyday health issues that are magnified by life onboard.

The OneHealth data makes one point unmistakably clear: the most common health challenges at sea follow predictable patterns. By acting on this insight, maritime companies can shift from reactive emergency care to proactive asset management, ultimately safeguarding both human and commercial resources.

Read the article in the latest edition of Ship Management International:
https://issuu.com/elaboratecomms/docs/ship_management_international_issue_117_september_/45

11/04/2025

We’re proud to share that Atlantas Group is beginning the rollout of OneHealth by VIKAND Programme across its fleet in partnership with Navarino.

Every vessel will be equipped to support real-time video consultations with shore-based medical professionals and enable the secure transmission of medical data, including vital signs. The rollout will also include training for onboard personnel to ensure the system is used effectively to achieve a higher level of care onboard.

Mr. Bhuvnesh Dogra, Chief Executive Officer of Atlantas Group, said "The health and wellbeing of our crew will always come first. By introducing OneHealth by VIKAND programme, we can ensure that our seafarers receive high-quality medical care, no matter where they are in the world."

Read about our latest partnership here: https://vikand.com/press-releases/atlantas-group-begins-rollout-of-onehealth-by-vikand-telehealth-from-navarino/