Vision

The Sagar Mein Yog initiative envisions a holistic well-being program for Indian seafarers that integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness into their daily lives. It seeks to:

• Promote Yoga & Meditation as tools for stress relief, physical fitness, and mental well-being.
• Encourage a Supportive Maritime Environment where wellness becomes a core part of seafarers' routine.
• Enhance Work-Life Balance & Emotional Resilience among seafarers.
• Create a structured wellness framework that can be implemented at pre-sea, at-sea, and post-sea stages.
• Ensure long-term sustainability through partnerships with yoga experts, maritime training institutes (MTIs), and shipping companies.

Strategic Objectives

The Sagar Mein Yog initiative focuses on the following key objectives:

• Integration of Yoga & Mindfulness: Implement a structured Yoga syllabus for seafarers attending pre-sea, at-sea, and post-sea courses.
• Mental & Emotional Wellness: Equip seafarers with techniques for stress management, emotional resilience, and mindfulness.
• Physical Health & Fitness: Promote exercises that help improve flexibility, reduce fatigue, and enhance endurance.
• Social & Occupational Well-being: Foster teamwork, positive crew relationships, and a balanced work environment.
• Compliance with International Standards: Align with IMO, ILO, and WHO guidelines on seafarer well-being.

Implementation Roadmap

The Sagar Mein Yog initiative follows a structured multi-phase execution plan, ensuring a progressive and sustainable approach.

Phase 1: Creation of the Task Force

• Establish a dedicated task force comprising yoga experts, mental health professionals, maritime trainers, and seafarer representatives.
• Develop the Yoga syllabus in consultation with Ministry of AYUSH and approved yoga institutions.
• Engage leading maritime training institutes (MTIs) and shipping companies to ensure industry-wide adoption.

Phase 2: Development of a Comprehensive Yoga & Wellness

• Design structured modules covering pre-sea, at-sea, and post-sea wellness practices.
• Develop content focusing on mental resilience, physical health, stress management, and occupational safety.
• Align with international best practices in seafarer well-being and mental health support.

Phase 3: Training & Capacity Building

• Train the Trainers (TTT) Program : Select and train yoga instructors and maritime faculty.
• Conduct pilot training sessions at select MTIs and evaluate effectiveness.
• Establish an online wellness platform for remote access to guided yoga sessions and wellness content.

Phase 4: Nationwide Implementation

• Integrate Sagar Mein Yog modules into maritime training and onboard routines.
• Encourage shipping companies and fleet operators to adopt wellness programs.
• Conduct awareness campaigns to educate seafarers about mental health and holistic well-being.

Phase 5: Monitoring, Evaluation & Continuous

• Implement structured feedback mechanisms from seafarers and stakeholders.
• Regularly update the curriculum based on industry feedback and research.
• Establish KPIs to measure the impact of wellness interventions.

Key Wellness Components of Sagar Mein Yog

The initiative covers 10 key dimensions of wellness to address physical, mental, emotional, and occupational challenges of seafarers.

Training & Capacity Building

The Sagar Mein Yog initiative introduces customized training programs tailored to the specific needs of seafarers.

Training Modules

• Pre-Sea Training: Wellness & mindfulness orientation for new seafarers.
• At-Sea Training: Daily wellness routines, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques.
• Post-Sea Reintegration: Stress recovery programs and career transition support.

Training Delivery Methods

• Onboard Yoga Sessions: Guided routines by trained facilitators.
• E-Learning Modules: Remote access to instructional content via an online wellness platform.
• Workshops & Webinars: Interactive sessions conducted by mental health professionals and yoga trainers.
• Self-Practice Guidelines: Handbooks and videos for self-guided training.

Governance & Compliance Strategy

• Task Force Monitoring: A dedicated Task Force will oversee the initiative's implementation and impact.
• Regulatory Compliance: Alignment with IMO and ILO guidelines for seafarer wellness.
• Periodic Assessments: Data-driven evaluations to measure program effectiveness.

Projected Impact & Outcomes

• Improved Physical & Mental Health: Reduced stress, better fitness, and enhanced well-being.
• Higher Productivity & Efficiency: A healthier crew leads to better operational performance.
• Greater Retention of Seafarers: Enhanced job satisfaction and reduced burnout.
• International Recognition: Establish India as a leader in seafarer wellness programs.

Execution Timeline

Way Forward & Next Steps

• Finalize Yoga syllabus with input from the Ministry of AYUSH and leading yoga institutions.
• Select trainers and conduct pilot training at key MTIs.
• Engage maritime stakeholders for industry-wide adoption.

Ongoing Execution

• Expand training programs across maritime academies and shipping companies.
• Develop a digital platform for wellness content and online support.
• Establish long-term funding partnerships for sustainability.

Conclusion

The Sagar Mein Yog initiative is a groundbreaking effort to enhance seafarer well-being through structured yoga and wellness programs. By integrating holistic health practices into maritime life, this initiative will ensure that Indian seafarers remain physically fit, mentally resilient, and emotionally balanced.

With DGS Order 19 of 2024 serving as the foundation, Sagar Mein Yog will set a global benchmark for seafarer wellness and sustainable maritime operations.