The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has introduced a mandatory yoga-based wellness training program for seafarers, called ‘Sagar Mein Yog’ (SMY). The program is designed to promote the overall well-being of seafarers and will be delivered through a dedicated Learning Management System. All seafarers holding a valid Indian Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) will be required to complete the course within one year, and candidates at DGS-approved Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) will also be mandated to finish the modules.
The SMY program is structured around 10 thematic wellness pillars, covering topics such as social wellness, occupational wellness, physical wellness, intellectual wellness, economic wellness, cultural wellness, and spiritual wellness. The spiritual wellness module includes sub-modules focused on meditation, chanting, mudras, and breathwork. The program is part of the government’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kal Vision 2047 initiatives.
The SMY program is also aligned with the STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers), STCW Rules 2014, and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006. The program aims to provide seafarers with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage stress, improve their overall well-being, and perform their duties effectively. The SMY program is a significant step towards promoting the health and well-being of seafarers, who often face challenging working conditions and high levels of stress.
By providing seafarers with the tools and techniques necessary to manage stress and improve their well-being, the program aims to improve the overall safety and efficiency of maritime operations.
