From the Deck to the World: The Realities of Life at Sea

Kashmira Juwatkar
Jun 25
6 min read

Life at sea, far from home, and surrounded by endless blue horizons, can quietly weigh on one’s mental well-being, often leading to what many call the “mental blues.” Whether on a commercial ship or a military one, working offshore is both rewarding and challenging. On the positive side, you get to experience the thrilling life at sea. However, on the flip side, this life may not be as exciting as it is often marketed to be.

Commodore (Dr) Johnson Odakkal, a navy veteran with 39 years of naval and merchant experience, recounts his first brush with the sea’s fury. Just months into his sailing career as a deck cadet, in 1983, aboard a general-purpose cargo vessel sailing from Houston through the Bermuda Triangle toward Europe, the ship encountered a violent storm off the coast of Florida. He recalls, "We realized six of our shipmates had fallen badly injured. Broken bones, severe trauma. Every time we moved someone, another wave threatened to undo our efforts. Eventually, the US Coast Guard from Miami air-dropped paramedics. That moment never left me. It taught me how delicate and frail we are compared to the sea.”

Seafaring is a demanding profession that affects both the mind and body. Prolonged isolation, demanding work hours, unpredictable weather, and limited access to support systems can have a significant impact on their overall well-being. Without a supportive and respectful work environment, the psychological burden on seafarers can deepen, leading to burnout, anxiety, and decreased performance.

In 2006, while being the Executive Officer aboard INS Jyoti, during an Eastern Fleet operation, Commodore (Dr) Johnson Odakkal recalls how the news of a catastrophic earthquake in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, changed their mission overnight. INS Jyoti became the logistical hub for relief materials, coordinating alongside other naval ships. He highlights how seafarers are often the first responders to crises beyond borders. It is therefore essential that the maritime industry adopts a holistic approach to seafarer welfare by cultivating inclusive shipboard cultures and upholding dignity and fairness in every aspect of life at sea.

According to IMO, 50% of female seafarers and significant numbers of their male counterparts face harassment and bullying at sea. Many incidents go unreported due to fear of retaliation and the absence of trustworthy reporting mechanisms. This highlights the growing need to place emphasis on inclusive mental and physical well-being at sea, ensuring that every seafarer feels safe, heard, and supported.

Addressing these issues requires more than individual resilience; it demands systemic change across the maritime sector, including stronger policies, awareness campaigns, and a cultural shift toward respect and accountability. That is why this year’s theme by the IMO, “My Harassment-Free Ship,” focuses on creating safer, more inclusive shipboard environments by promoting zero tolerance for harassment and bullying, encouraging open reporting, and ensuring that every seafarer feels protected and valued while at sea. However, before exploring this year’s IMO theme for the Day of the Seafarer, it is just as important to understand the background of this significant day.

The Day of the Seafarer was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to adopt the revised ‘The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers’. Since then, every year on June 25, the world observes the International Day of Seafarer to recognize and honour the vital role that seafarers play in global trade, maritime safety, and world economy. The day acknowledges the dedication, resilience, and sacrifices of millions of men and women who work at sea. They are responsible for transporting over 80 percent of the world’s goods, yet their contributions often go unnoticed. From navigating dangerous waters to enduring long months away from home, seafarers remain the backbone of international logistics and commerce. By highlighting their experiences and ensuring their voices are heard, the International Day of Seafarer encourages governments, shipping companies, and the wider public to take concrete actions to support and protect those who make global connectivity possible.

This year, the International Day of Seafarer focuses on the campaign “My Harassment-Free Ship,” a bold initiative aimed at fostering a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, and discrimination at sea. Harassment at sea remains a serious concern, affecting both male and female seafarers and often leading to emotional distress, isolation, and career stagnation.

According to Dr. Johnson Odakkal, modern ships today are cultural microcosms. He calls them “diversified demography under flags of convenience”. A single ship may host a Norwegian captain, Bangladeshi engineers, Indian officers, and Filipino crew, yet not a single person may be from the nation under which the ship is flagged. This diversity, while enriching, can also be challenging, especially when cultural misunderstandings, unconscious bias, or power asymmetries go unaddressed.

In light of this, the IMO has urged the global shipping community to take meaningful action toward transforming maritime culture. Through this day, IMO calls for a shift in maritime culture to ensure that every seafarer, regardless of gender, rank, or background, feels safe, valued, and protected while on board. Through this campaign, the maritime community is being urged to raise awareness, implement strong zero-tolerance policies, improve reporting systems, and provide support and resources for those affected.

JOI and its maritime heritage

Dr. Johnson Odakkal, a navy veteran and founder of Johnson Odakkal Initiatives (JOI),.has long been an advocate for restoring seafarers to their rightful place in our national consciousness. “Seafarers power global trade, yet remain history’s outcasts—vital to nations, but still adrift in national memory,” he observes. This belief has shaped much of his work, both during his tenure as Director of the Maritime History Society and now through JOI. During his tenure as Director of the Maritime History Society, he led numerous efforts to promote maritime awareness and preserve India's rich seafaring heritage.

Through JOI, he now champions the concept of "Life Navigation,"a concept Dr. Odakkal developed by drawing on the values and disciplines of life at sea to guide personal and professional journeys on land. “Seafaring is the ultimate human endeavor,” he says, “where nature, knowledge, courage, and discipline converge in service to the world.” It is this deep respect for the maritime profession that drives his commitment to mentoring young professionals and students, encouraging them to explore the challenges and possibilities of life at sea.

Way forward

As we reflect on the significance of the International Day of the Seafarer and the urgent call for harassment-free ships, it becomes clear that the maritime sector stands at a pivotal moment. The future of seafaring depends not only on technological advancement or global trade dynamics, but on how we treat the people who keep the system afloat. Creating inclusive, respectful, and mentally supportive shipboard environments must move from rhetoric to reality. This calls for sustained collaboration among maritime institutions, governments, ship owners, and training bodies to implement robust policies, invest in mental health infrastructure, and build a culture of empathy and accountability at sea. By anchoring maritime progress in dignity, safety, and shared responsibility, we can ensure that seafaring remains not only a noble profession, but a sustainable and fulfilling one for all.

In support of this, the IMO has launched a digital Seafarer Support Map to identify grievance centers around the world, supporting seafarers facing issues such as harassment, detention, or abandonment. As of June 2025, the map currently features three designated locations: one in the United States, one in London, and one in Norway. However, critical, yet dangerous maritime regions including the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Guinea, the Gulf of Aden, the Malacca Strait, where seafarers encounter significant risks like piracy and detention, lack visible support centers on this map. While the IMO and its partners, such as the International Transport Workers’ Federation, provide additional global assistance channels, the map’s limited coverage may hinder accessibility for those in high-risk areas. Enhancing the map with broader regional representation could better align it with the needs of the global seafaring community. If the tool aims to support a truly global workforce, then it must offer a global reach, not just a global branding.

Inspired by the stories from the sea? Want to navigate your own course with courage and clarity? Let’s chart your journey together — with purpose, not just ambition. Reach out via DM or drop us a line at ceo@johnsonodakkal.com

Explore more at our newly updated website: www.johnsonodakkal.com

Let’s anchor change — not just in words, but in action.

Happy Day of the Seafarer 2025!