VIKAND

10/06/2025

Ronald Spithout contributed to the latest issue of Ship Management International, which features perspectives from leaders across the maritime industry in support of this year’s World Maritime Day.

He emphasised that human sustainability is as vital as environmental sustainability. Just as the industry safeguards the marine environment, it must also protect the people at sea, ensuring future generations still want to pursue seafaring careers.

His contribution underlines that crew welfare is no longer optional. It is central to the maritime industry’s ability to adapt and thrive in the face of decarbonisation, digitalisation, regulatory change, and global uncertainty.

Read the full article in Ship Management International here: https://www.shipmanagementinternational.com/news/industry-leaders-united-in-support-of-world-maritime-day-theme-one-ocean-one-obligation-one-opportunity

10/02/2025

Our Medical Operations Manager, Carlos Guerra, is featured in the latest U.S. News Travel article on how to prevent seasickness on a cruise.

Whether it’s taking medication at the right time or selecting the ideal cabin, there are simple steps to help stay comfortable and enjoy every moment at sea.

Discover the full set of practical tips here 👇

Follow these doctor-approved tactics for a settled stomach at sea.

09/25/2025

World Maritime Day 2025

This year’s theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” is a reminder of the ocean’s central role in our world. With over 80% of global trade carried by sea, the maritime industry is the lifeline of the global economy.

⚓ The ocean is more than a trade route, it’s a workplace for millions of crew
💙 Our obligation is to ensure their safety, rights, and wellbeing
🌍 Our opportunity lies in building a more sustainable, supportive, and resilient maritime future

Today, we celebrate the dedication of seafarers worldwide and reaffirm our commitment to achieving a higher level of care and safety at sea.

09/24/2025

We are looking for a Supply Chain Specialist to join our team in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

This on-site role is perfect for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You'll be the go-to person managing quotes, orders, and logistics for medical equipment while building strong client relationships in the maritime healthcare industry.

The ideal candidate will bring:
✅ 1–2 years of experience in supply chain or logistics (maritime industry experience preferred)
✅ Familiarity with cruise lines, port agents, and country customs (a plus)
✅ A customer service mindset with a proactive, solution-oriented approach
✅ Strong organizational and time-management skills

If you're ready to contribute to a company that values care, purpose, and human sustainability, and play a key role in supporting global maritime healthcare, we’d love to hear from you!

👉 Find out more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/e2m_yeaE

09/23/2025

When Strength Becomes a Weakness.

In the maritime industry, “resilience” is often seen as a badge of honor. But what happens when it becomes toxic? While the world celebrates great feats of resilience, there is a tipping point – when the exceptional becomes expected.

This thought-provoking article explores how constant pressure to be strong can lead to burnout, silence around safety issues, and long-term damage to culture and wellbeing.

Read more to discover how we can redefine resilience to be sustainable, inclusive, and human-centered.

https://vikand.com/articles/when-strength-is-a-weakness-toxic-resilience-in-the-maritime-industry/

09/19/2025

Crew Excellence Spotlight

We’re thrilled to celebrate Nurse Jason Mc Custer Lim from Azamara Journey, who has been honored as Employee of the Month! Jason is appreciated by both guests and crew for his dedication, professionalism, and teamwork qualities that make him an outstanding healthcare professional at sea.

This recognition is not only a testament to Jason’s commitment but also to the incredible crew across our vessels, and we’re proud to see our client, Azamara, highlighting the efforts of their exceptional crew.

Congratulations, Jason, on this well-deserved achievement! Your hard work and compassion continue to inspire us all.

09/15/2025

Managing Diverticulitis with at Sea.

When a senior officer on an LNG carrier developed acute symptoms mid-Atlantic, VIKAND’s medical team delivered real-time oversight to stabilise his condition, avoid an emergency diversion, and keep the vessel safely on course.

Through proactive remote monitoring, tailored medication management, and a smooth transition to shoreside care, this case study demonstrates how telehealth is a critical lifeline, protecting crew wellbeing while safeguarding operational continuity.

By delivering evidence-based, real-time clinical guidance, telehealth bridges the dangerous gap between symptom onset and hospital-level care. It ensures that leadership roles remain functional, maintains crew morale, and helps prevent small issues from becoming emergencies that jeopardise lives and voyages.

09/10/2025

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day.

This year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative on Su***de,” calls on us to replace silence and stigma with openness, empathy, and proactive support.

At VIKAND, we are deeply concerned by recent findings: su***de has now surpassed fatal accidents as the leading cause of death at sea. This sobering reality highlights the urgent need for meaningful action to support seafarers’ mental health.

We believe proactive strategies, open dialogue, and stigma-free environments are critical - not only in maritime, but in every workplace and community. This isn’t about checking a box, but rather about proactively trying to save lives. Together, we can build a maritime culture where every seafarer feels seen, supported, and safe.

Read more about our call to action here:
🔗 https://vikand.com/press-releases/vikand-calls-for-proactivity-as-su***de-surpasses-fatal-accidents-at-sea/

***dePreventionDay

09/08/2025

⏳ Last chance to vote!

We’re honoured to be shortlisted for the 2025 CAREER4SEA Europort Crew Welfare Award – recognising our commitment to proactive, personalised healthcare at sea through OneHealth by VIKAND.

With the deadline this Friday, 12 September 2025, now’s the time to show your support.

💡 What sets OneHealth apart?
✔️ 24/7 access to physical & mental healthcare
✔️ Clinicians who know each vessel and crew
✔️ Ongoing consultations that build trust & continuity of care

Support us with your vote 👉 Select VIKAND under Crew Welfare Award

🗳️ Cast your vote: https://dripl.ink/Hg2We

09/05/2025

We don't just fix problems; we pioneer methods to prevent them. ⚓
️
From the medical center of the MSC Fantasia in the Mediterranean to VIKAND technical IT support hub in Fort Lauderdale, this photo represents our commitment to preventative care and operational excellence. During an annual preventative maintenance, our technical team identified and executed a critical FDA recall device correction in real-time, powered by seamless remote support.

Through proactive problem-solving and comprehensive root-cause analysis, our team is dedicated to maintaining seamless operations and supporting our partners' success.

09/03/2025

Investing in Seafarer Mental Health: A Strategic Imperative for Maritime Excellence

When we invest in crew members' mental health, we're not just protecting individual welfare, but also strengthening the backbone of global maritime operations. The maritime industry has a responsibility, and opportunity, to lead in occupational mental health.

VIKAND's solutions help shipping companies fulfill their duty of care while strengthening their most valuable asset: their people. We offer a suite of specially designed tools and services that strengthen crew mental wellbeing, resilience, coping mechanisms, whilst empowering seafarers to sustain good mental health and a safe working environment.

For more information, visit https://vikand.com/mental-health-solutions/