Building Resilient Cadets for Successful Maritime Careers

Beyond simulators and technical training, cadet well-being is about developing resilience, confidence, psychological readiness, and the life skills needed to thrive at sea. Here’s how Fleet Care and IMI are supporting the next generation of seafarers.

This perspective is shared by Niyanta Dey, Cadet Psychologist at International Maritime Institute (IMI), drawing on her experience supporting cadets through their training journey and helping shape initiatives that strengthen psychological well-being and resilience among future seafarers.

For many young cadets, entering a maritime institution poses numerous challenges. The prospect of staying away from their families in a restricted environment, adapting to a disciplined routine, rationing their freedom and personal space, and mentally preparing for a life at sea can all be nerve-racking.

Well-being for cadets is not merely limited to good infrastructure and nutritious food; it also involves providing an environment where they can develop through a holistic lens. This includes supporting their physical, psychological, spiritual, and intellectual well-being. Cadets who develop a positive self-image and identify strongly with their chosen career demonstrate the zeal and determination required to thrive in the demanding environment of life at sea.

Supporting Cadets Through Transition and Change

During their training period, cadets undergo significant transitions. They adjust to a simulated maritime environment while beginning to form their professional identity, balancing academic responsibilities and working on their personal development. For many, adapting to these changes in a new and highly structured environment can be challenging.

To support them, cadets are offered on-call assistance as well as one-to-one counselling and psychotherapy services for a range of concerns they may experience. Emphasis is placed on helping them develop self-regulation skills, build healthier habits, improve adherence to routines, and address deeper psychological concerns should they arise.

The therapeutic space is completely free of judgement and provides a safe environment where cadets can seek support and guidance while adhering to the principles of confidentiality and ethical practice.

Building a Strong Foundation for Well-Being

Keeping Fleet Care’s model and framework in mind, IMI has undertaken several initiatives to strengthen cadet well-being. A dedicated team of mental health professionals provides seafarer well-being services through programmes such as Wellness at Sea, Mental Health First Aid and several other initiatives.

With Fleet Care partnering with IMI, similar evidence-based models are being implemented to address cadet well-being in a broader and more comprehensive manner. Cadets’ experiences and age-related developmental needs have been carefully considered while designing these initiatives.

Sessions such as Developing Emotional Resilience and Time Management and Routine Adherence equip cadets with practical skills to navigate both training and future professional challenges.

Developing Psychological Readiness for Maritime Careers

From the moment cadets enter the institute, they are introduced to the psychological competencies that are essential for a successful maritime career.

Through interactive group sessions, primarily conducted in classroom settings, they are educated about maritime psychological readiness, psychosocial hazards at sea, conflict de-escalation, stress management and resilience-building strategies. These sessions also focus on developing the hardiness required to succeed in a high-risk profession.

Creating Safer and More Inclusive Future Seafarers

Additionally, cadets participate in important courses such as the Gender Sensitisation Course, where healthy conversations and meaningful discussions are facilitated on the importance of gender sensitivity within the maritime industry.

These sessions encourage cadets to challenge existing stereotypes and rethink traditional attitudes towards gender roles.

They also complete the Prevention of Violence and Harassment module, which addresses one of the most critical aspects of safety on board. Through this training, cadets gain an understanding of the psychology of violence, recognise warning signs and behavioural indicators, learn intervention and mitigation techniques, and become familiar with established reporting mechanisms available on board.

Cadets actively participate by asking insightful questions and engaging in constructive debates—clear indicators of an enriching and effective learning environment.

Preparing Well-Rounded Seafarers for the Future

Historically, cadet well-being has largely focused on physical fitness and readiness. However, with evolving industry reforms and changing perspectives, there is now a growing recognition of the importance of psychological well-being alongside physical preparedness.

This holistic approach ensures that young seafarers enter the industry as confident, well-adjusted professionals who are not only prepared to meet its challenges but are also equipped to flourish and build successful, fulfilling careers at sea.