Safety at Sea 2026: Seafarer wellbeing, the evergreen route to maritime success

Dubai will host Safety at Sea 2026, the annual forum of Tristar Group, dedicated to seafarer wellbeing, on November 9th. The forum brings together seafarers, government authorities, industry leaders, and stakeholders to discuss and address the challenges faced by those working at sea. Tristar Group CEO Eugene Mayne emphasized the importance of seafarers in both maritime operations and the global economy, stating that their resilience is crucial for the industry's future.

The forum's agenda focuses on various aspects of life at sea, including workload management, psychological safety, social climate, and crew cohesion. Industry experts will discuss the impact of isolation, fatigue, operational overload, and repatriation struggles on seafarer mental health. Dr. Grahaeme Henderson, OBE, founder of Together in Safety, will chair the conference and present a framework to improve safety at sea, offering practical measures to prevent fatalities and serious incidents.

Other notable speakers include Carl King, a well-known maritime podcaster, and Susanne Justesen, director of human sustainability at the Global Maritime Forum. Medical and pastoral care professionals, such as clinical psychologist Dr. Pennie Blackburn and programme director Ben Bailey from The Mission to Seafarers, will also contribute to the discussions.

The conference, now in its eighth year, aims to establish a clear framework of practical solutions and responsible stakeholders in the maritime industry, ensuring that the people who keep global trade moving receive the attention and support they deserve.