Psychological Safety at Sea Webinar

Somiyeh’s experience is firmly rooted in education and training. She has been central in building The Nautical Institute Academy to becoming an established academy. She focuses on the development of training which champion effective professional development – specifically in relation to leadership, the human element, competency, mental health, wellbeing, and life-long learning for seafarers.

She is specialising in enhancing leadership and management by improving operational performance through changing management culture.

Deborah Layde is the current Chair of the Women In Maritime Network and Chief Executive of The Seafarers’ Charity. The Seafarers’ Charity is the largest independent grant funder of an eco-system of maritime welfare services for people working at sea – whether on ships, superyachts, cruise ships or fishing vessels. She is a self-declared passionate advocate for the safety and welfare of all seafarers. Having commissioned the research on the Port-Based Welfare Needs of Women Seafarers the charity has used the research to inform their funding of a range of support services for women seafarers, including peer support groups, trauma counselling and emotional and pastoral support.

Karin Staal has over 20 years of experience in maritime. Her career begun onboard Chemical tankers before moving into port state control and onto crew management. Now a self-employed maritime consultant Karin is a behaviour change expert and a member of WISTA International. With her perspective as both crew and company, Karin believes that a happy crew results in fewer incidents, higher safety awareness, efficiency, and more profit.

Chirag Bahri began his career at sea in 2004, following his graduation as a Marine Engineer. He was held hostage by Somali pirates on a hijacked vessel in 2010 and has since devoted his life to assisting seafarers and their families affected by piracy and other challenges. His dedication to serving seafarers has earned him widespread recognition, including prestigious national and international awards.
Chirag spearheads the operation and development of ISWAN's international initiatives, working closely with regional stakeholders to establish vital support systems for seafarers and their families in times of need. His responsibilities extend beyond the UK to further expand ISWAN's outreach to other seafaring nations, all while diligently overseeing ongoing activities in India and the Philippines.

Ann has over 20 years experience in the maritime industry and divides her time between seafaring and shoreside consultancy. She is passionate about promoting an inclusive and safe working environment for all seafarers and ensuring support services are accessible for seafarers. Her own experiences as a seafarer and from mentoring other seafarers is what drives her association with Safer Waves within operations and as an email service volunteer. Safer Waves is dedicated to responding to sexual violence, harassment and gender-based discrimination on board ships worldwide which includes a confidential email service as well as legal factsheets and other information resources available.

Paula is the Chief Executive Officer of ‘Salute Her UK’. She has over 15 years' clinical mental health experience and is a qualified Clinical and Pastoral Counsellor and CBT, DBT and Brief Family therapist. During her time at Salute Her UK, Paula has project managed the set-up of the only trauma informed, tri service needs led charity that specialises in gender specific mental health care and Military Sexual Trauma. Since 2023 The Seafarers’ Charity has funded Salute Her UK to expand their services to women working at sea.