Last Call for 2025 Safety Culture Survey - Closes 3rd October!

The V.Group annual Safety Culture Survey closes this Friday the 3rd of October and is your chance to improve overall safety at V. Don't miss out. 


Developed in collaboration with our trusted partner, the Occupational Psychology Centre the survey helps us better understand how our people perceive safety practices, performance, and culture – and most importantly, your feedback helps us identify opportunities to further enhance the safety and wellbeing of everyone at V.Group.

This year’s survey is smarter, faster, and more relevant than ever—designed to capture what’s working, what needs improvement, and how we can continue building a proactive, learning-oriented safety culture.

Your Voice Matters

We invite every colleague – regardless of role or location – to help shape the future of safety at V. This is your opportunity to share honest feedback about how safety is experienced and practiced onboard and across V.

The survey is anonymous, and your feedback directly shapes how we evolve, improve and strengthen our safety culture. Let’s make sure every voice is heard!                                         

🎥Watch Ian Trebinski, COO of V.Ships, share why your participation to the Survey matters

How to Complete the Survey

• Online: Click the secure website link below
• Email: You will also find the link in an email sent in your personal email inbox
• Offline: If you face accessibility issues, you can request an interactive PDF version. Reach out to: Group HSSEQ (artemis.kazantzidi@vships.com) or your local HSSEQ Manager.

Every response counts. Every insight helps.

Let’s work together to shape a safer, stronger future for everyone at V.

#haveyoursay

August's V.Group Safety Catch of the Month Highlights Dangers of Mooring Lines

We are happy to announce that the August 2025 Safety Catch of the Month winner is 3^rd Officer Earl June Palabrica Pelegrino, who demonstrated strong situational awareness and commitment to safety during a critical mooring operation. 

What Happened? 

While the vessel was manoeuvring to dock, the Captain ordered all slack ropes to be heaved up to secure the vessel alongside. During this operation, one crew member attempted to cross a rope in order to get to the other side - a highly unsafe act, especially during mooring operations when ropes are under tension and the risk of serious injury is significant.  

Immediate Action Taken 

Recognising the danger, Earl acted quickly and decisively., He immediately stopped the crew member and reminded the serious risks involved in crossing ropes during mooring. Earl’s timely intervention not only prevented a potential incident but also reinforced the importance of vigilance and adherence to safe practices during safety-sensitive operations.  

Lessons Learnt 

This case serves as an important reminder that mooring operations are inherently high-risk, requiring constant situational awareness and clear communication. Unsafe acts like crossing ropes can endanger individuals and compromise team safety. Earl’s action reflects leadership, accountability, and our shared commitment to the value: “If You See It, You Own It.” 

As part of this recognition, the August Safety Catch winner will receive a Certificate of Appreciation, a $200 GMT Travel Voucher, and a personal commendation letter. 

This Month’s Safety Insight 

⚠️ Unsafe acts during mooring operations carry a high potential for injury. This example underlines the importance of vigilance, teamwork, and strong communication to prevent incidents during safety-sensitive operations.  

📺 Watch the Lessons Learnt Video on this safety observation, and visit the Learning Library  to explore related and additional resources that support learning across V. 

Building a Safer Culture Together 

At V., every team member is empowered to raise observations and stop unsafe acts before harm occurs. Your actions protect not only yourself but also your colleagues, and they strengthen our culture of accountability and care.  

All eligible, non-anonymous entries are considered each month for the Safety Catch Award. Key criteria include:  

• Use of the V.(Crew) Connect App; and,  

• Demonstration of our Stop the Job policy in practice. 

Congratulations once again to Earl Pelegrino for his timely intervention and for setting an example of safety leadership.  

Let’s continue to stay alert, act responsibly, and look out for one another, because safety is not just a rule, it is our way of working.  

Stay alert. Stay responsible. Stay safe. 

Social Media Awareness Online

Life at sea can feel a world away, but social media keeps us connected with family, friends, and the wider maritime community. V.Group encourages responsible use of these platforms, reminding all crew members that what is shared online can affect not just the individual, but also the company, clients, and colleagues. Whether using an official channel or a personal account where your link to V.Group is clear, posts should never harm the reputation, operations, or safety of the business and its stakeholders.

To protect both you and the company, there are clear rules to follow. Only speak within your area of expertise and never represent V.Group, or your vessel, without authorisation. Confidential information, client names, and internal materials must stay off public platforms, and only approved content should be used when posting about company matters. If you see anything inappropriate online, report it to Group Marketing. Misuse of social media can lead to serious consequences, including disciplinary action, termination of contracts, legal proceedings, and damage to personal and professional reputations.

Above all, seafarers are encouraged to use social media with care and balance. Think carefully before posting, avoid offensive or unsafe content, and stay alert to online threats like phishing or social engineering. Remember also that constant scrolling can impact mental wellbeing, so it’s important to limit usage and focus on rest during downtime. Should you ever face online abuse, V.Group offers support. By following these guidelines, you can protect yourself, your shipmates, and the wider V.Group family—while staying safely connected with the world ashore.

Our social media policy is currently available on our website and is due to be updated, however the key principles remain the same to ensure that reputation of our operations, our clients, and yourself is protected. Take care with what you post online as it may breach our policies.

Port Planning Module - ShipSure Feedback

Continuing in the theme in seeking your feedback, we wish to improve the Port Planning module in ShipSure.  Please take a short 5‑minute survey to share your experience and any issues with the Port Planning (Voyage & Performance Module) functionality.

Scope: This survey covers only the Port Planning module (Voyage & Performance). It does not include Position List, Voyage Reporting, SEEMP, Engine Performance, Generator Performance, or other modules.  

Who should respond: The survey is for both onshore and offshore staff — if you use Port Planning features, please take part as your valuable input is greatly appreciated.

Timing: The survey is open now and closes on 9 October 2025. After we implement improvements, we will run a follow‑up survey at the end of Q1 2026 to measure impact.  

Guidance: Please answer honestly and provide as much detail as you need — specific examples are especially helpful for prioritising fixes and enhancements.

Thank you for taking the time to help us improve.

V.Care Wellbeing Webinar - Communication Skills for a Global Team

In this month’s wellbeing webinar, we welcome a ComPsych psychologist Lena Zidan provides training on Communication Skills for a Global Team.

This training webinar will help you strengthen your communication skills when working with global teams. We’ll explore how empathy, language choices, and cultural awareness, including the use of humour, enhance understanding and collaboration across diverse backgrounds.

Lena Zidan is an ICF-certified Career Development and Leadership Coach with over five years of coaching experience and more than 15 years of working within culturally diverse, large organisations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and business management and a Certificate in Professional Coaching Practice.

The webinar lasts for around 50 minutes and provides valuable insights to help improve your communications onboard and onshore.

V.CARE: Wellbeing Webinars

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

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

V.Care Voyage of the Month: Value in Vessel Visits

Each month, we aim to share an article that provides a broader perspective on your careers at sea.

For this edition however I would like to share my experiences from a recent vessel visit, where I had the privilege of meeting some of our seafarers.

In September, I travelled to meet the crew of the tanker Ryvingen Sun. This was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from seafarers while they were closer to shore—though still onboard a floating dry dock.

With over 26,000 seafarers active at sea across V. at any given time, ours is truly a global operation, and reaching them requires considerable logistics—just as it does each time you mobilise to join your vessel. For me, travelling to Greece was a first, with an additional trip to the island of Syros adding to the sense of distance from home. Many seafarers see travel as one of the main attractions of life at sea, and the new surroundings and experiences certainly made my own 30-hour journey pass more quickly.

Syros, though small, hosts a major shipyard, with around seven vessels in for repairs when I arrived. The heat—a stark contrast to Scotland—was pleasant at first but soon made its presence felt as the day went on. Routine life onboard continued as usual, and the Master, Capt. Rohit Pandey, warmly welcomed my visit, which had been arranged with the help of Fleet Superintendent Mahbub Jewel MD from our Singapore office.

Spending time with the crew as they prepared the ship for sea was insightful, both in understanding the tasks required and in learning what matters most to them while working away from home. Capt. Pandey highlighted some of the challenges he faces in his role as Master.

“The biggest challenge nowadays is the various pressures you go through, like commercial pressure from the office or inspections in port. You know, wherever you go, you must face the challenge.”

He added:

“For me, the most important thing is the safety of the crew, the safety of the vessel, and the environment. For me it’s absolutely critical.”

Safety is, of course, paramount. The presence of a camera during my visit made the crew especially conscious of procedures as they went about their work. They had just received new coveralls in their distinctive orange, while the officers wore crisp white versions of the STOP flame-resistant suits. This wasn’t quite in line with the original concept of a single uniform colour for all crew, but hierarchy onboard is important, and visually distinguishing roles is natural.

The crew were busy with routine maintenance, while numerous yard workers carried out more structural jobs onboard. Such work is essential to ensure all systems remain in good working order—particularly on older vessels. The ship’s ratings were hard at work with painting duty on deck, while down in the engine room, parts were being replaced and inspected to ensure the safe and efficient running of the vessel. Dry dock really is a giant pit stop, where time is of the essence.

Rahul Thundiyil, the pumpman onboard, shared what inspired him to go to sea:

“Actually, this is my ambition. I’ve become a very good sailor. This is my passion, and safety is very important. I follow all the V. rules and ensure my shipmates stay safe. On board, our captain ensures we attend safety meetings and training, which is very good.”

He continued:

“I would tell all new seafarers that V.Group is very supportive—of all people, of all seafarers—both physically and mentally. Any problems we have, we can talk about together and resolve. We also know we have 24/7 support through V.Care if needed. That’s fantastic.”

Rahul also mentioned that he had taken part in recent photography competitions, sharing his journeys with a wider audience—as many seafarers across our fleets do. The remote nature of life at sea can often feel worlds apart from the experiences of our shore-based colleagues, so these visual connections are an important bridge.

Digitally, we are becoming increasingly connected, with more seafarers sharing their journeys online and with loved ones back home. Yet beyond what we see on our screens, there is a deeper connection to be made onboard—through the heat, the scents, and the shared experience of life at sea. That’s why vessel visits and opportunities to engage directly with our seafarers are so vital in keeping our sense of connection and shared purpose strong.

Look out for some of the crew in future publications and the upcoming V. Photography Competition in January 2026!

Marc Turner 
Crew Communications Specialist V.Group

ShipMoney - Your Digital Payment Solution

Did You Know? You Get Free Transfers with ShipMoney

Each month, you get:

✔ 1 free wire transfer (up to $20,000)

✔ 2 free ATM withdrawals, anywhere in the world

That’s $0 in fees for sending money or taking cash out.

Use the ShipMoney app to schedule your transfers, or ask your crewing team for help.

From Ship to Shore: V. Dual Career Path Development Experiences

At V. we consistently adhere to the "talent-first" development strategy, providing seafarers with sustainable career futures through a robust internal recruitment mechanism. This month we meet Captain Fournier who recently joined the team in Cyprus as a Marine Superintendent, having had extensive experience in dual fuel vessels during his career.

“My name is Willy Fournier from near Arulu in Peru. I am now 53 years old and I'm working here in V.Ships Cyprus as Marine Superintendent for the past 3 weeks."

“I joined this office from the vessel directly after completing my job there on board for three months, and two weeks as master from LPG vessel. So, it's just now I enrol in this new position for me from the ship to shore. I am really happy so far.”

“To transfer here I note there is many nationalities here working on shore, with many different experiences. You know, as a South America, it's quite hard to join into European shipping Companies. But I set out from starting to sail at 21-22 years old. I always improve my skills and my career. I study in different countries. I study even in Philippines. I very much enjoyed being at sea, amongst nature, without the stresses of land. I found a sponsor from the European company and then I dedicated all my life in the LPG vessels and LNG vessels and with the new ships and the new ship delivery. I was always learning it is what I enjoy”

In looking to find his feet ashore as a Marine Superintendent, Willy shared that his experiences afloat are helping him in his role.

“Because I was joining in a few ships with a high standard equipment, and also other ships with a no standard equipment but we still always comply with the rules. So sometimes when a Master is asking for some kind of equipment, they are not familiar with. So, I give my feedback because I had the knowledge of what was needed.”

“Actually most shipping companies are still not fully managing LNG and dual fuel, but this is where I have experience on these vessels.  To the next level, at least in Cyprus, I know I can manage the requirements, particularly where the costs and client needs are considered, and having dual fuel options can be more efficient for them.”

Bring Your Sea Experience Ashore - Your Next Step Starts Here!

Are you currently sailing with V. and considering a move ashore?

We’re inviting our own talented seafarers to apply for future shore-based career opportunities across our global offices.

Your knowledge of life at sea is invaluable and we believe it belongs at the heart of our shore-based operations.

Whether you're passionate about vessel management, crew support, safety compliance, or training, your next role might be waiting just ashore.

The Ship to Shore Programme is designed to support and encourage V. seafarers who are ready to transition into shore-based careers.

Your sea experience is your strength — let’s bring it ashore!

If you’re passionate about continuing your maritime journey from a different vantage point, one where your expertise helps manage fleets, support operations, or train future seafarers, we invite you to apply.

We’re continuously looking to match sea-going talent with onshore roles.

Submit your profile below, and we’ll reach out when the right opportunity comes along.

ISWAN – Voices from Sea to Shore

ISWAN, the International Seafarers Welfare & Assistance Network, is running a short survey for seafarers like you to share your honest thoughts about the shore staff you deal with from shipping companies or manning agencies.

Your feedback will help them understand what works well and what does not, so they can shape a programme that supports shore staff to better understand the challenges you and your family face. The aim is to improve how shore staff support you, while also looking after their own wellbeing.

The survey will only take 2 minutes of your time, and your voice will make a real difference in supporting ISWAN to make life at sea and ashore safer and more supportive for seafarers and their families. 

V.Care aims to address many of the key areas highlighted by Maritime Charities to improve the lives of our seafarers.  Our promise to our seafarers remains: a life at V. means a better life at sea.

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.

Voyage Loyalty: Continued Growth in Members and Benefits

With over 4000 of our seafarers now registered and earning SeaStars our community continues to go from strength to strength, and it grows as it is only right that we continue to enhance the program with more benefits, including new partnerships and community events. 

Healthy Corner: Quick Stress-Relief Techniques Onboard

Practice Breathing 

Breathing exercises are a simple and effective way to reduce stress and calm your mind and body. Just a few minutes of slow, deep breaths can help you feel more relaxed and in control. Combined with regular mindfulness breaks, they can also clear mental clutter, improve focus, and boost emotional resilience.

Breathing Exercise.

1. Sit, stand, or lie down in a relaxed position.
2. Focus on your breath by breathing deeply through your nose, letting your belly rise.
3. Breathe in and count from 1-5 as you inhale.
4. Slowly exhale through your mouth, counting 1-5.
5. Keep breathing deeply for at least 5 minutes.
6. If your mind wanders, gently return to your breath.
7. Keep a Gratitude Journal! Keep a small notebook dedicated to writing down things that you are grateful for each day.

Tip! Placing one hand on your chest and the other on your belly can help you feel your breathe more clearly.

Mindfulness Break.

1. Find a comfortable place to sit, away from distractions if possible.
2. Relax your body with your feet flat on the floor and your hands resting on your belly.
3. Take a deep breath in through your nose, allowing your belly to rise. Then exhale slowly through your mouth.
4. When thoughts come to mind, notice them without judging and gently bring your focus back to your breath.
5. Start with 3-5 minutes and increase time as you become more comfortable.
6. After your break, take a moment to check how you feel. Are you calm, more focused, or energized?