Enhanced Functionality on V.MS Launched

We were pleased to announce the launch of ChatV.MS together with an enhanced V.MS platform at the recent Crew Conference in Manila. 

What is changing?

The V.MS platform has been upgraded to improve accessibility, usability and operational support for seafarers and onshore colleagues, including the ability for seafarers to now access the V.MS from their mobile devices via the V. Crew Connect APP.

As part of this enhancement, we are also pleased to introduce ChatV.MS, an AI-powered assistant that provides quick access to V.MS information and procedures from directly within the V.MS itself, and with native functionality to provide responses in multiple languages, further enhancing your awareness and retention of V.MS knowledge.

Key Benefits

Online V.MS access for seafarers both onboard, via the newly introduced V.Link platform, and while on leave via the V.Crew Connect APP.

ChatV.MS enables users to:

  • Quickly search V.MS content and obtain answers to procedural questions
  • Ask questions and receive responses in multiple languages
  • Access links to relevant procedures and forms
  • Prepare for audits and inspections more efficiently
  • Only relevant versions of the V.MS will be shown to colleagues and seafarers
  • Optional user feedback on responses can be used to improve procedures and enhance chatbot performance over time
  • Lays the foundation for future digital enhancements within V.’s digital infrastructure



Important Points

  • MS only uses V.MS content as its knowledge source and cannot answer questions outside that scope.
  • Responses are AI-generated and should be used as guidance only, with V.MS procedures, policies and instructions remaining the primary source.
  • The system is hosted within V.'s internal IT infrastructure and no information is shared externally.
  • This enhancement also includes the latest update to the V.MS version (1.0.6).

Access

For seafarers onboard, access will be available through V.Link where there is a good internet connection. The rollout of V.Link across the fleet is already in progress, with separate communications being issued to vessels as implementation continues. Where internet access is unavailable or limited, an offline version of the V.MS will remain available; however, this version will not include the ChatV.MS function. Details on downloading the offline version will be shared through a separate fleet instruction.

Seafarers on leave can continue to access V.MS through the V.Crew Connect APP, supporting easier access to important information whether onboard, ashore or between assignments. Look out for the ship icon in the bottom right of the homescreen.


Online Security Alert – Beware of Phishing Emails

We wish to remind our seafarers of the need to be aware of ongoing phishing attempts seeking to gain access to personal information and financial details. Recently several users received a fraudulent email containing a link created by scammers. The sender’s email address was not verified and after clicking the link, fraudsters gained access to the user’s details and unauthorized money transfers were made.

It is important to know that trusted organizations will never ask you to take sensitive actions or share personal or account information through email links.

To protect your account:

✅ Always check the sender’s email address carefully
✅ Do not click on suspicious links received by email or messages

✅ Beware of urgent request for payment or messages claiming an account will be suspended
✅ Payment card or banks will never ask you to confirm your details or access your account through an email link
✅ Avoid requests to verify banking or payroll details

✅ Use only the official Application and trusted communication channels
✅ Report any suspicious activity immediately

What to do if you receive a suspicious message:

  • Do not click any links or open attachments
  • Do not provide your login details, passwords, OTP codes, or personal information
  • Take a screenshot of the message and report it immediately
  • If you have already clicked a suspicious link or shared any information, contact Support center without delay and inform your company representative

Report suspicious activity through official channels:

  • Crew Support Centre 
  • Your company’s designated contact person / CMP or Crew Coordinator

Your attention and awareness are the best protection against fraud.

Stay alert. Think before you click. Protect yourself online.

Crew Support Centre

Crew Shout‑Out: MV COURTESY K – Professional Response to Maritime Security Incident

On 11th of August, the crew of Piraeus managed vessel MV COURTESY K demonstrated exemplary professionalism and calm coordination after receiving a distress broadcast from the Panama‑flagged containership VELA NOVA.

At approximately 0715 UTC, VELA NOVA was reportedly struck by a missile while transiting the Gulf of Oman, around 71 nautical miles off the Pakistani coast, leaving the vessel not under command. All 17 crew members were later confirmed safe and accounted for.

Under the leadership of Master Steven Besas and Chief Engineer Michael Abanes, COURTESY K responded immediately and effectively:

  • Altered course and remained in the vicinity at a safe 2nm distance
  • Maintained continuous VHF communication with the distressed vessel
  • Notified charterers of voyage interruption
  • Contacted the nearest MRCC and relevant authorities
  • Coordinated closely with Fleet Cell, Owners, and Technical Managers
  • Followed established safety and maritime security protocols throughout
  • External assistance was subsequently mobilised to support VELA NOVA, and COURTESY K was formally released to resume passage.

The crew’s response reflects strong situational awareness, disciplined communication, and effective teamwork during a high‑risk maritime security event. Sincere thanks Dimitris Tsekouras in our Pireaus office, Master Besas, Chief Engineer Abanes, and the entire COURTESY K crew for their professionalism and commitment to safety!

V. Commercial Wins: July Update

The summer months continued to deliver another strong set of commercial wins across V.Services and V.Ships, enabling more opportunities. 

V.Ships

July brought five Ship Management awards covering seven vessels across four offices, alongside five Crew Management awards covering six vessels for the Piraeus team.

Ship Management

  • 2x LPG vessels | Insight Marine Holdings – repeat business for Ship Management Limassol
  • 1x Leisure vessel | Aurora Expeditions – GREG MORTIMER, repeat business for the Monaco Leisure team
  • 1x Tanker | Chartworld Shipping Corporation – RHODES STAR, a third newbuild MR tanker for the Limassol team
  • 1x Bulk Carrier | Algoma Central Corporation – retention of CSL KANATA by Ship Management Boston
  • 2x Bulk Carriers | Kast Shipmanagement – repeat business for Ship Management Piraeus

Crew Management

Five awards covering six vessels were secured with Apex Shipping and Energy for the Piraeus Crew Management team:

  • 1x LR1 tanker – SILVER ARROW
  • 1x MR tanker – NEGOTIATOR
  • 2x Suezmax tankers
  • 1x tanker – SILVER SHADOW
  • 1x tanker – MEDIATOR

A big thank you to everyone involved. Your continued collaboration and commitment to providing excellent service delivery helps keep our commercial momentum strong.

Celebrating the July 2026 Safety Catch Winner!

We are delighted to recognise Able Seaman, Allan Bill Batausa of vessel Ultramarine (Leisure Cluster) as the July 2026 V. Group Safety Catch Award winner!

Allan’s Safety Catch is a great example of how vigilance, professional judgement, and the willingness to challenge and follow through can prevent harm before it occurs.

Safety Observation – What Happened

While monitoring access arrangements alongside, Allan observed that tidal conditions were changing more rapidly than anticipated and recognised that the gangway could become unsuitable before passengers returned from their shore excursion. Trusting his observations and understanding the potential consequences, he promptly raised the concern and persistently advocated for immediate action.

Following assessment, the ship's gangway was replaced with a shore gangway, ensuring safe access for passengers returning from shore.

His actions demonstrate that safety is not only about identifying hazards. It is also about having the confidence to challenge, communicate concerns effectively, and follow through until the appropriate action is taken.

Why This Matters – Key Learning Points

This Safety Catch highlights several behaviours that every one of us can apply in our daily work:

  • Stay alert to Changing Conditions – Risks are not static. Conditions can change rapidly, and ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure safeguards remain effective.
  • Trust your judgement – Experience, observation and situational awareness are valuable safety tools. If something does not seem right, take the time to question it.
  • Challenge and Escalate Concerns – Safety concerns should be raised promptly and followed through. When a risk remains, continue to escalate the concern until appropriate action is taken
  • Safety Leadership Has No Rank – Anyone can make a difference. Safety leadership is demonstrated through actions, by recognising risks, taking ownership and acting to protect others.
  • Preventing Incidents Starts with Intervention – Every prevented incident begins with someone recognising a risk and taking action before harm occurs.

 

Why Safety Catch Matters

Every Safety Catch demonstrates how proactive actions, however small they may seem at the time, can help prevent harm and strengthen our safety culture.

By recognising a developing risk and ensuring it was addressed before passengers were exposed, Allan demonstrated the behaviours we want to see throughout our organisation: vigilance, ownership, courage, and a commitment to protecting others.

Congratulations again to Allan Bill Batausa, who will receive a Certificate of Appreciation, a Letter of Commendation, and a $200 GMT Travel Voucher, and will now be considered for the 2026 Annual Safety Catch Award

Thank you to Allan and to everyone who continues to make safety a personal responsibility every day.

See it. Question it. Act on it.

#StopWorkAuthority    #HaveYourSay

Voyage Loyalty has Even More to Offer

The Voyage Loyalty programme has continued to expand it's member benefits and enable exciting new global events to continue to improve our rewards and tier structure for seafarers.

An increasing range of exclusive partner discounts including BYD, Victorinox, Luggage Master, Chinooks, Torre Lorenzo and Prime Plus, with new benefits continuing to roll out.

The Breaker White Tier has initially enabled all seafarers from the Philippines to join Voyage Loyalty and benefit from the partner discounts, while all Indian seafarers will be able to join by the end of the year.

Don't miss out—join Voyage Loyalty today and start earning rewards, accessing exclusive offers, and becoming part of a growing community designed for seafarers.

Find Out More

V.Care Wellbeing Webinar: Managing Your Emotions in the Workplace

Emotions can have a significant impact on how we communicate, make decisions, and respond to others at work.

In the maritime environment, where teams may be working under pressure, dealing with operational challenges, or living and working closely together onboard, understanding how we manage our emotions is especially important.

This V.Care Wellbeing Webinar will explore the connection between our emotions, thoughts, and behaviours, and how greater self-awareness can help us build stronger working relationships both at sea and ashore.

What You'll Learn:

  • Understand how your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours can influence relationships with colleagues
  • Recognise the role emotions play in communication, teamwork, and decision-making
  • Explore how we can make more considered choices about how we respond, particularly during stressful or challenging situations
  • Learn practical ways to manage emotions more effectively during conflict, operational pressure, or difficult conversations
  • Build greater self-awareness to support healthier, more positive working relationships


Strong connections don't just improve wellbeing—they help create safer, more supportive teams where everyone can thrive.

Link below to watch the latest Webinar 👇

V.CARE: Wellbeing Webinars

You can catch up with the rest of EAP orientation and previous webinars below:

https://vimeo.com/1049342320?share=copy

Are you aware of all the wellbeing resources available to you?

Both the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and inspiration for your wellbeing can be found on the V.Care website, or available through the V.Crew Connect App.

You can also join the V.Care Facebook page to hear from other V. seafarers and families about their journey with V.

Watch Webinar Here

Oceanic Healthy Corner: Prioritise Self-Care

Did you know that metabolism is not only about burning calories? It also depends on how well your gut works.

  • When your gut is balanced, metabolism stays active, giving you steady energy, clearer focus, easier digestion, and better performance.
  • When your gut is imbalanced, metabolism slows down, causing tiredness, heaviness, and low energy during voyages.

Onboard routines and food choices can make a difference. Heavy meals, long sitting hours, limited movement, and poor sleep can slow digestion, disrupt blood sugar, and affect hormones all of which reduce metabolic speed. Supporting gut health is one of the simplest ways to keep your metabolism active while onboard.

Simple Daily Habits That Support Metabolism & Gut Health


• Daily fibre!
Choose vegetables, fruits, oats, beans, and legumes whenever available. They keep digestion moving and help control blood sugar.


• Fermented foods!
Foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, or sauerkraut feed good gut bacteria and improve nutrient absorption.


• Balanced meals!
Combining protein, fibre, healthy fats, and slow digesting carbs like whole grains helps keep blood sugar steady and supports an efficient metabolism.


• Hydration!
Water supports digestion, reduces bloating, and keeps metabolic processes running smoothly. Keep water nearby and drink regularly, especially during hot temperatures.


• Regular movement!
Even short walks or stretches improve insulin sensitivity and help the gut work better.


• Quality sleep!
Good sleep without screen disruption keeps hormones balanced, supporting appetite control and metabolic rate.

A healthy gut keeps your metabolism fast, steady, and efficient, exactly what you need for busy days and overall wellbeing onboard. With a few simple daily habits, energy stays higher, digestion feels lighter, and the body performs better throughout the voyages.

Written by Oceanic Health & Wellbeing Department