The first panel, moderated by Dr Akanksha Batura Pai, SSA Councillor, featured Capt Ashish Malik, Managing Director of Anglo-Eastern Singapore; Capt Hari Subramaniam, Chief Commercial Officer for Marine, Cargo and Logistics at Howden and Chair of The Nautical Institute Singapore; and Yin Jing Hong, 4th Engineer and SMOU representative. 

A key point raised early was this. Communication breakdowns are not usually about a lack of intent. More often, they stem from a lack of understanding. 

Capt Ashish Malik shared that ship and shore teams are often working towards the same goals, but under very different pressures. From one side, a message may seem clear and reasonable. From the other, it may land very differently. The gap is not in the message itself, but in the context behind it. 

Yin Jing Hong spoke openly from a seafarer’s perspective. She pointed out that communication from shore can sometimes feel supportive, especially when it comes to career development. But in reality, expectations such as promotion requirements or checklists can also become a source of pressure when there is limited room to progress. 

She also highlighted something many younger seafarers can relate to. In high-pressure environments, or when you are the only one who feels different, whether by rank, experience or gender, speaking up is not always easy. A single dismissive response can be enough to make someone hesitate the next time. Over time, that hesitation turns into silence. 

Capt Hari Subramaniam brought in a wider perspective. He acknowledged that hierarchy is necessary in maritime. Clear command structures are critical for safety. But leadership cannot rely on authority alone. It has to be balanced with empathy and awareness of what is happening onboard. As he put it, being kind does not mean being weak. 

By the end of the panel, one message stood out. Psychological safety is not built through policies. It is built through daily interactions. People need to feel heard, respected and taken seriously.