(NEWS) Advancing the SEA-CARE Pilot Training Programme for Maritime Crisis Responders

October

2026

Advancing the SEA-CARE Pilot Training Programme for Maritime Crisis Responders

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The steering group of the EU-supported SEA-CARE project met at the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö on 22 and 23 September to further develop the programme for its upcoming pilot training for Maritime Crisis Responders (MCRs).

SEA-CARE brings together five maritime welfare organizations from Western Europe. The project aims to strengthen the support available to seafarers following serious incidents at sea by developing and training a network of MCRs. These responders will be equipped to provide timely, structured psychosocial support following High Mental Impact Situations (HiMIS), while recognizing the boundaries of their role and referring seafarers to specialist care when necessary.

The steering group discussed and refined the content, learning outcomes, teaching methods and practical organization of the four training modules. Particular attention was given to translating theoretical knowledge into practical skills that MCRs can use when supporting seafarers and their families. The four interconnected modules cover the broad field of maritime crisis support.

Earlier this year, SEA-CARE conducted a sector-wide survey among seafarers, shipowners, maritime officials and other stakeholders. The survey provided valuable insight into experiences with serious incidents at sea, existing forms of support and the needs of those involved. Its findings are now being used to shape the content of the training programme.

The next major milestone will be the pilot training in Antwerp in February 2027. During the pilot, the complete training programme will be tested in practice. The experiences of participants and instructors will then be used to evaluate and further improve the programme before its wider implementation.

The SEA-CARE project partners are Deutsche Seemannsmission e.V. (DSM), which serves as the project lead, Antwerp Seafarers’ Welfare (ASW), Stichting Pastoraat Werkers Overzee (SPWO), Nederlandse Zeevarenden Centrale (NZC), and World Maritime University (WMU). Through SEA-CARE, the participating organizations aim to contribute to a more coordinated, accessible and professional approach to supporting seafarers affected by serious incidents at sea.

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