Online Security Alert – Beware of Phishing Emails

Please be aware of several phishing attempts targeting seafarers seeking to gain access to personal information and bank details. Recently a user 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

Spotlight on Latvia

Colleagues in Latvia have been supporting seafarers and the next generation of maritime professionals this month, from celebrating maritime graduates to strengthening ship-to-shore connections through onboard visits.

RTU Liepāja Marine College Graduation in Latvia

Officer Assessment Superintendent Arturs Dobrecovs attended the RTU Liepāja Maritime College graduation ceremony, joining graduates, faculty, and guests in celebrating this special occasion.

The ceremony recognised the commitment and perseverance that have brought this year's graduates to an important stage in their professional development.

Seeing new talent enter the maritime industry is always encouraging, and this year's ceremony in Riga was a reminder of the dedication and ambition that will help shape its future.



Key Ocean in Liepaja

A recent call of M/T Key Ocean at the Port of Liepaja provided a great opportunity for BGI Riga General Manager Aleksejs Fomcenkovs, to make a short onboard visit.

Although the visit was brief, it allowed time for a productive discussion with the Master and Chief Engineer, followed by an open meeting with the crew on the bridge. Together, several important topics were discussed, including crew wellbeing, the new payroll system, and the implementation of ShipMoney.

These visits give seafarers the opportunity to ask questions, share their feedback, and engage in an open dialogue with shore colleagues, out with routine operations.

Meeting with crews onboard, in their own working environment, helps create a more relaxed atmosphere where honest conversations can take place. These interactions strengthen communication between ship and shore and reinforce our commitment to supporting our seafarers.

A sincere thank you to Captain Sergey Khaydanov and Chief Engineer Plamen Marinov for their warm hospitality and for making the visit both productive and enjoyable.

V. Assurance Completes Another Successful Project

Recently the crew onboard Metro Aegean were visited by V.Assurance consultant, Ozlem Gurel Bakir, who worked with the crew and support teams to prepare the vessel and crew for the Flag State and SIRE inspections, both of which were completed with outstanding results.

What does V.Assurance do?
V.Assurance is a team of approved auditors dedicated to supporting our vessels, crew, and fleet cells in achieving the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

The team conducts Internal ISM, MLC, and ISPS audits, Core Audits, and delivers onboard training to help crew strengthen their understanding of company requirements and industry best practices.

In addition, V.Assurance supports vessels in preparing for Port State Control (PSC), SIRE, CDI, RightShip, and other third-party inspections, while also assisting fleet cells and crew during vessel takeovers. V.Assurance also handles remote navigation assessment; VDR audits and investigations within our managed vessels.

Beyond auditing, V.Assurance provides independent oversight to ensure vessels and shore offices operate safely, comply with regulatory and company requirements, and meet the standards of the V.Group Management System (V.MS). The team's focus is not only on verifying compliance but also on identifying risks early, promoting best practices, and driving continuous improvement across the fleet and supporting the Fleet Cell and the Shipboard command to maintain safe condition onboard the vessel.

How does the Assurance team support crew during inspections?

  • Preparing crew so they understand what auditors and inspectors will review and why.
  • Providing guidance on company procedures, documentation, and regulatory requirements.
  • Identifying gaps early, allowing corrective actions before external inspections.
  • Sharing lessons learned and best practices from previous audits and across the fleet.
  • Supporting crew throughout the audit process by answering questions and clarifying expectations.

The ultimate goal is to help every vessel maintain a high level of readiness every day, making inspections a confirmation of good practices rather than a one-time event.

Top Tips for a Successful Inspection or Audit:

  • Be inspection-ready every day. Consistent standards are the best preparation.
  • Know your procedures. Understand the company policies and requirements relevant to your role.
  • Keep documentation up to date. Ensure certificates, logs, permits, and maintenance records are accurate and readily available.
  • Maintain excellent housekeeping. A clean, organised vessel demonstrates strong operational discipline.
  • Answer confidently and honestly. If you're unsure of an answer, explain where the information can be found rather than guessing.
  • Learn from previous audits. Be familiar with past findings and the actions taken to address them.

Work as one team. Strong communication and cooperation between departments contribute to successful audits.


Staying Safe in Extreme Heat: A Practical Guide for Seafarers

Temperatures in the Persian Gulf can climb past 50°C during the summer months, with high humidity levels that make the heat feel even more unbearable. For crews working on deck or in engine rooms this is a genuine safety risk. Heat stress, fatigue and dehydration can develop quickly and if left unaddressed, can escalate to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. This is one of the less-discussed hardships of life at sea right now.

In recognition of these conditions, we recently delivered a Gulf Care Pack to seafarers on our managed vessels operating in the region. It is a practical set of heat-mitigation items including cooling sleeves, insulated bottles, portable fans, oximeters, sunblock, oral rehydration salts (ORS) sachets and electrolyte tablets. This sits alongside reinforced guidance for Masters on hydration, work planning and early symptom recognition, with a clear stop-work principle when symptoms are identified. Mobilised across V.Ships, Oceanic and SEAMED24, it is one example of how effective crew protection against extreme heat can be delivered at scale.

Alongside the Care Pack, more can still be done to manage intense heat exposure both within and outside the Persian Gulf. Below are a few helpful tips to keep crew safe and healthy.

  1. Plan work around peak heat

Where possible, physically demanding tasks should be scheduled for cooler parts of the day, with more frequent rest breaks in cool or shaded areas built into peak-heat periods.

  1. Hydration matters, even when you’re not thirsty

Feeling thirsty is a late indicator of dehydration which means that by the time you feel thirsty, you're often already dehydrated. Regular fluid intake throughout a shift, supplemented with ORS and electrolyte tablets, is one of the most effective ways to manage heat risks.

  1. Dress for the heat

Cooling sleeves and neck gaiters, sunblock, and portable fans all help manage exposure. Moisture absorbing, breathable fabrics like cotton can also help keep crew cool.

  1. Look out for one another

Heat stress can affect judgement before a person notices it themselves. Looking out for your team, watching for signs of confusion or slowed responses, and encouraging breaks are some of the simplest and most effective preventative steps.

Practical measures like these can meaningfully reduce the risks associated with working in extreme heat. These initiatives matter because crew protection is the foundation for safe, reliable operations. Current and future seafarers are keeping close watch; how shipping collectively steps up to protect its crew today will define the next decade of seafaring.

V. Commercial Wins: July Update

V.Ships

Last month was a strong commercial month across both Ship Management (SM) and Crew Management (CM) at V.Ships, with 8 SM wins spanning six offices and a further three CM wins out of Piraeus. The Abu Dhabi Offshore team's double win with DEME was a standout, adding two Crew Transfer Vessels from a major dredging client.

Ship Management

  • 2x Bulk Carriers | LHG Mining – New client for the Glasgow team and an important new client in the Americas, Colleagues signed in June for both vessels — ALGOMA VALUE and HON HENRY JACKMAN (to be renamed LHR RIO and LHG SANTA CATARINA, respectively).
  • 1x Offshore Vessel | Chailease Finance – The Asia Offshore team retains the SFE Hercules, with the client confirming continuation of the existing management arrangement.
  • 2x Offshore Vessels | DEME – Two Crew Transfer Vessels — AQUATA and ARISTA — awarded to the Abu Dhabi Offshore team.
  • 2x Tankers | Consort Bunkers – New business for the Singapore office, with two bunkering vessels confirmed by the owners.
  • 1x Tanker | Huasheng Shipping – New business for Ship Management China: an MR tanker.
  • 1x Container Vessel | Costamare – Another vessel added to the fleet managed by the Piraeus team.
  • 1x Container Vessel | T.S. Lines – Ship Management China adds a 7,000 TEU newbuild to its T.S. Lines programme, due for delivery in September 2026.
  • 1x LPG Vessel | Eminence Shipping – The ITM Dubai team achieves a significant milestone by expanding the relationship with Eminence and brining into management the first ever VLGC to our portfolio, the PINAR GAS.

 

Crew Management

  • 3x Tankers | Apex Shipping and Energy – Three vessels added across two awards for the Piraeus team — two Long Range 1 (LR1s) and one Medium Range 1 (MR1) Tankers.
  • 2x PCTCs | Neptune Lines – Two dual-fuel Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC) confirmed for the Piraeus crew management team. Delivery expected in 2029.

    Together with Apex Shipping and Energy, we successfully organised Online Officers’ Meetings, creating a valuable platform for engagement, sharing company values, and supporting the familiarisation and integration of new officers joining the pool.

A big thank you to all teams involved, your continued effort keeps our momentum strong.

 



Meet the Safety Catch Winner for June 2026!

We are proud to recognise Deck Cadet, Muhammad Siraj Modak of vessel Fezzan (M. East Cluster) as the June 2026 V. Group Safety Catch Award winner!

Muhammad's Safety Catch demonstrates the power of vigilance, personal responsibility, and the confidence to act when something does not appear right. His timely intervention prevented exposure to a potentially serious fall hazard and serves as an excellent example of proactive safety leadership in action.

Safety Observation – What Happened

While alongside in Quebec, Canada, a Shore Surveyor attempted to board the vessel while the gangway safety net was still being rigged.

Recognising that the boarding arrangement was not yet fully established, Muhammad politely stopped the boarding, informed the Duty Officer, and ensured access was not permitted until all required safety measures were in place.

His actions prevented personnel from being exposed to a potential fall or man overboard risk and demonstrated the effective application of Stop Work Authority when conditions are not yet safe.

Why This Matters – Key Learning Points

  • Ensure safe access before boarding - A gangway is only safe for use when all required safety measures, including the safety net, are correctly rigged
  • Apply Stop Work Authority - Everyone has the authority and responsibility to stop an unsafe activity
  • Recognise hazards early - Identifying missing barriers and controls before work proceeds is a key part of effective risk management
  • Escalate concerns promptly - Timely communication ensured the situation was assessed and controlled without delay
  • Prioritise safety over convenience - Taking a few extra moments to make a task safe is always worth it
  • Safety leadership goes beyond rank - The Cadet's confidence to intervene demonstrates a proactive safety culture and commitment to protecting others

Why Safety Catch Matters

Every Safety Catch shows how everyday decisions and timely interventions help prevent harm before it occurs.

This month's winning nomination reinforces a powerful message: safety leadership is not defined by rank or experience. From Cadets and Trainees to Ratings and Officers, everyone can make a difference by recognising hazards, intervening early, and taking action to protect others.

Congratulations again to Muhammad, 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

Let's continue to stay alert, trust our judgement, and intervene whenever necessary - because the right action at the right time can prevent the next incident.

See it. Question it. Act on it.

Voyage Loyalty has Even More to Offer

Voyage Loyalty has continued to expand member benefits and create exciting new global events 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 new 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: Making Connections At Work and In Life

Strong social connections are essential for our wellbeing, resilience, and overall happiness. In the maritime industry, long periods away from family, working in multicultural teams, and demanding operational environments can make it more challenging to build and maintain meaningful relationships.

This V.Care Wellbeing Webinar explores the importance of positive social connections, both onboard and ashore, and provide practical ways to strengthen relationships with colleagues, friends, and loved ones.

What You'll Learn:

  • Why meaningful social connections are essential for wellbeing, resilience, and workplace performance
    • Practical ways to build stronger relationships within multicultural crews and shore-based teams
    • How effective communication, empathy, and active listening can strengthen trust and teamwork
    • Strategies for staying connected with family, friends, and support networks while working in the maritime industry
    • Simple actions you can take to foster a more connected, inclusive, and supportive workplace both at sea and ashore


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

LINK to Follow

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.

Oceanic Healthy Corner: Prioritise Self-Care

Self‑care is a core component of protecting personal health and supporting the needs of everyday life onboard. Small wellbeing habits become essential in the demanding vessel environment because they help maintain balance, prevent fatigue, and keep both body and mind steady.

Why Self‑Care Matters Onboard

  • Reduce everyday stress by creating small moments of calm during busy routines.
  • Maintain emotional stability in an environment where personal space is limited.
  • Strengthen resilience against fatigue, loneliness, and homesickness.
  • Improve concentration and decision‑making, which directly affects safety.
  • Feel more connected and grounded.

Easy Ways to Practise Self‑Care at Sea

  • Take mindful breaks! Take 3-5 minutes to stretch, breathe, or reset between tasks.
  • Hydration habits! Keep water nearby and drink regularly, especially during hot temperatures.
  • Eat well! Avoid skipping meals and prioritize balance.
  • Move your body! Do some light stretching, short walks on deck, or simple body‑weight exercises.
  • Better sleep habits! Create a calming pre-sleep routine and reduce screen time before bed.
  • Mindful pauses!  Practice slow breathing, grounding techniques, or quiet reflection.