During the outreach talk, students also learned about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) onboard ships from Capt Stanley Siaw representing Wavelink Maritime Institute (WMI). Since the SMA students would be sailing for the first time in the coming months, it is important for them to understand the diverse workforce and culture with whom they will be working with onboard a ship. The students were educated on how to embrace diversity, promote equity and practice inclusion. Capt Stanley shared the dos & don’ts if he/she experienced any form of harassment or discrimination onboard. He emphasised that the cadet should always report and never ignore a harassment or a discrimination incident.

During the outreach session with the DMR students, 4^th Engineer Yin Jinghong (YSMOU member), provided valuable guidance on the preparations needed before joining ship. She shared the responsibilities of a cadet and emphasised the mindset required while working on a ship. Jinghong also shared her personal journey and how being a SMOU member had positively impacted her and provided opportunities for networking among seafarers. Additionally, she highlighted that she has benefited much with membership perks such as education subsidies and other social benefits.

After all these sharing about the union, fostering DEI onboard ships and seafarer’s sailing experience, the future mariners are now more prepared to embark on their cadetship, armed with not just the skills, but with an understanding of unity, inclusivity, and resilience.