On May 21, Capt. Sidhartha M Mathur, Director of Marine and Crewing Strategy at Norstar Ship Management Pte. Ltd., delivered an insightful presentation during the seafarers’ welfare training course organized by the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) in Singapore. The session highlighted the multifaceted approach of Norstar Ship Management towards the welfare of their crews and set a benchmark for other shipping companies.
Capt. Mathur commenced the presentation by outlining the comprehensive ship management strategies employed by Norstar. Emphasizing their global reach and 24/7 availability, he underscored the company’s vision to be the best in class and the preferred partner in the maritime supply chain. Norstar’s mission to build partnerships for delivering safe, efficient, and reliable services is firmly rooted in their core values and commitment to sustainable practices.
Norstar is an accredited ship management company, holding various certifications, including ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 from ABS, and Documents of Compliance for multiple flags. The company is dedicated to continual improvement and adheres to best practices through rigorous Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
A significant portion of the presentation focused on crew management, a critical component of seafarers’ welfare. Norstar boasts a diverse and experienced crew pool from India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Europe, and Myanmar. With a strong presence in Myanmar for over two decades, they have built a loyal team of seafarers and shore support staff, achieving industry-leading retention rates of nearly 100% in the office and over 97% at sea.
Norstar’s training facilities, particularly in Yangon, play a pivotal role in ensuring the competence and safety of their crews. These facilities provide safety refresher training, crew assessments, and monthly safety sessions. Additionally, the company runs regular forums and seminars, fostering a culture of continuous learning and safety awareness.
Addressing the crucial aspect of maritime health, Capt. Mathur introduced MEDSEA, a maritime health service program by International SOS. This program offers round-the-clock medical support, covering a wide range of health issues, including mental health, for seafarers and their families. Furthermore, Norstar’s WellAtSea initiative promotes holistic well-being, leveraging evidence-based methods to enhance physical, mental, and social health.
Capt. Mathur concluded by highlighting the company’s trust in their seafarers and their dedication to maintaining high crew retention rates. Norstar’s comprehensive approach to crew welfare not only ensures the safety and well-being of their employees but also sets a standard for the entire maritime industry.
For more on Norstar, view their website.
