The Mission to Seafarers (MtS) has partnered with Pacific Basin Shipping to deliver suicide prevention training that has already empowered hundreds of seafarers to support colleagues in crisis.
Between August 2024 and June 2025, MtS delivered its SafeTALK suicide alertness course to nearly 650 Pacific Basin seafarers in the Philippines. The training is designed to help participants recognise signs of suicidal thoughts, engage in open, non-judgemental conversation, and connect those at risk with support, and has already had a life-saving impact.
Pacific Basin has confirmed that four critical interventions have taken place where trained crew identified and responded to suicide risk among fellow seafarers – likely preventing loss of life. The company has reported no suicides during this period.
“Suicide prevention is a difficult subject, but the response from Pacific Basin crew has been inspiring,” saidTom O’Hare, Programme Manager, at The Mission to Seafarers. “This is about equipping seafarers with the awareness, confidence, and tools to look out for one another. The courage and compassion shown by those who intervened cannot be overstated.”
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with crew calling SafeTALK “essential,” “lifesaving,” and “the most important training we’ve had.” Many reported feeling more confident supporting colleagues: “I now have the knowledge to help my crewmate” and “I’m ready to save lives.” Others urged wider adoption, noting that “all seafarers must know about this training” and viewed it as key to their professional development.
MtS has been delivering SafeTALK training since 2021 – but recent data shows more action is needed in the industry.Gard’s 2025 Crew Claims Reportrevealed that suicides in shipping in 2024 exceeded onboard accident fatalities, accounting for 9% of all crew deaths, with many occurring early in contracts and involving officers. Furthermore, Gard also found that suicide appears more likely to happen in the first three months on board, than later in a seafarer’s contract – exemplifying how important early intervention can be.
The findings highlight persistent challenges such as stress, stigma, and lack of trusted support – reinforcing the urgent need for early intervention and targeted crew training.
Harsh Bhave, Director, Fleet at Pacific Basin Shipping, commented: “Mental and physical wellbeing of our colleagues at sea is our highest priority at Pacific Basin. MtS’s SafeTALK suicide alertness courses have been invaluable to our team. Empowering seafarers with the tools and confidence to support each other is not just about saving lives, but about fostering a culture of care, resilience and effective teamwork at sea.”
To markWorld Suicide Prevention Dayon10 September 2025, MtS invites the maritime community to attend a free SafeTALK course hosted by UK P&I Club in London – the same training delivered to Pacific Basin crew. The session will include expert-led training followed by a networking lunch, with parallel courses taking place in Houston and Manila.
“Every life empowered is a reminder that suicide is preventable,” continuesTom O’Hare, Programme Manager, at The Mission to Seafarers. “Through proactive training, safe spaces for conversation, and cross-sector partnerships, we can reduce the number of seafarers lost to silence.
Our work with Pacific Basin demonstrates thereal-world impact of this approach.”
To register for the FREE SafeTALK course on World Suicide Prevention Day on Wednesday 10 September, in either London, Manila or Houston, please register using the link below. To attend you must register by Friday 5 September:
London –
Manila –
Houston –
