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Life at sea can be rewarding yet demanding. Long months away from home often bring long hours, isolation, and limited opportunities to unwind. With such conditions leading to physical and mental fatigue, it is vital for seafarers to safeguard their mental well-being.
To mark World Mental Health Day, the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) and Mission to Seafarers Singapore (MtSS) hosted a heartfelt celebration at Jurong Port Terminal, bringing together over 50 seafarers for an evening of respite from the daily grind at sea.
The event opened with a warm welcome from SMOU, MtSS, and MPA representatives who acknowledged our seafarers’ invaluable role in advancing global trade.
SMOU Assistant Treasurer Mr Ismail Ahamad encouraged all to prioritise their mental health as well as those of their fellows — a message echoed by Ms Elyn Ong from Big Yellow Fish, who shared practical insights on spotting early signs of mental strain and the importance of seeking help.
Their words resonated deeply with seafarers as they bonded over a hearty meal, sharing stories, laughter, and moments of understanding of the emotional ups and downs of life at sea.
Each seafarer also gratefully received a thoughtfully prepared goodie bag containing a Skross travel adapter, Varigrip Tension Exerciser, and other tokens of care. Adding to their joy, everyone was also given StaHub data SIM cards to help them stay connected with their loved ones — a simple yet powerful boost for their emotional well-being.
Extending care beyond the MtSS drop-in centre, Mr Ismail, Mr Benjamin Yip, and teams from SMOU and MtSS visited vessels docked at Jurong Port to visit crew members unable to attend. They personally distributed food and goodie bags, engaging in friendly conversations and checking in on their welfare.
As the evening drew to a close, every seafarer was reminded that their mental health matters. For every seafarer navigating distant waters, there stands a caring community ready to listen, support, and walk alongside them — even beyond the horizon.
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