Marlow Navigation and Centrum Marine successfully hosted their very first Seafarers Seminar together in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with almost 100 participants across both morning and afternoon sessions. The seminar provided a valuable platform for engagement, learning, and strengthening relationships within the seafaring community.
Bringing together seafarers, shore-based teams, and special guests, the event reflected the continued growth in cooperation between Marlow Navigation and Centrum Marine since the partnership was established in 2022, with a dynamically growing number of seafarers serving onboard Marlow’s crew-managed fleet.
The seminar sessions covered the latest company updates and industry trends, while also focusing on key topics, including safety management and onboard best practices, seafarer mental health and resilience, training and professional development, as well as the importance of effective communication at sea and ashore.
Welcome notes and presentations were delivered by Crew Superintendent from Marlow’s Head Office in Cyprus, Mike Naradko, and Managing Director of Centrum Marine, Kalinga De Silva.
“A sincere thank you to all participants, speakers, and organisers for making this inaugural seminar in Sri Lanka such a memorable and successful occasion,” said Naradko. “It was very encouraging to see such enthusiasm and engagement from our seafarer colleagues, and we (Marlow) look forward to returning soon for another seminar together with Centrum Marine. Together, we continue building stronger crews, stronger partnerships, and a stronger maritime community.”
Through case studies, interactive discussions, and expert insights, participants explored practical approaches to maintaining wellbeing, strengthening teamwork, and supporting both career growth and professional excellence within the maritime industry.
The seminar also featured two distinguished guest speakers who shared their valuable expertise and experiences: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Advocate, Ranil Thilakaratne, and People & Organisation Development Specialist and Managing Director of DAASH Global, Harshana Dassanayake.
A special highlight of the seminar was the presentation of an award to 2OFF Ratheesh Ramasamy for winning the recent Marlow Newsletter photo competition with his striking image, “Stillness Before the Next Call”, beautifully capturing the theme Camaraderie at Sea.
Commenting on the success of the event, De Silva stated: “We are grateful to all participating seafarers for their valuable contributions, positive engagement, and commitment throughout the seminar. We also sincerely thank Marlow Navigation for their continued trust, cooperation, and support in creating meaningful initiatives such as this. Together, we are not only strengthening professional development and career opportunities for Sri Lankan seafarers, but also fostering a more connected, skilled, and future-ready workforce for the maritime industry.”
The event concluded with a social networking mixer attended by seafarers and their families, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere that encouraged meaningful connections beyond the professional setting.
