The Nautical Institute has launched Better Working Lives at Sea, a new podcast series exploring the communication, leadership and mentoring skills that underpin safe and successful careers at sea. The series is sponsored by The Seafarers’ Charity.

Hosted by Catherine Logie, Head of Learning and People Strategy at OneOcean, the five-part series brings together experts with practical experience at sea and ashore. Deirdre Lane FNI, Harbour Master of Dunmore East and Chair of The Nautical Institute’s Technical Committee, discusses effective communication, while Steve Cameron FNI, Chair of the London Branch of The Nautical Institute, examines the case for kind leadership.

Captain Ann Pletschke FNI, a Master Mariner with more than 25 years’ experience in maritime and a long-standing mentor, explains why mentoring matters throughout a career. Dr Nippin Anand, Founder and CEO of Novellus Solutions and a former Master Mariner, challenges conventional thinking about safety culture, while Neil Dulling FNI, Senior Specialist, Gas Ships at International Registries, Inc. and Vice President of The Nautical Institute, explains why soft skills are essential to safe operations.

Their conversations turn real experience into practical guidance: the danger of acknowledging a message without fully understanding its meaning; how leaders can combine high standards with empathy; why mentoring matters at every career stage; and how people across ranks and cultures can be given the confidence to question decisions and speak up. The series supports The Nautical Institute’s commitment to empowering the leaders of tomorrow and is intended for seafarers at every stage of their career.

Captain John Lloyd FNI, Chief Executive of The Nautical Institute, said: “Supporting maritime professionals throughout their careers is central to the work of The Nautical Institute. Technical competence is essential, but excellence at sea also depends on communication, professional judgement, leadership and the ability to bring people together as an effective team.

“Our role is to give maritime professionals the tools, knowledge and practical guidance they need to continue developing and to perform at their best. This series draws on real experience to explore the skills that can make a genuine difference to people’s working lives at sea. With the support of The Seafarers’ Charity, we can make those lessons freely available and help empower the maritime leaders of tomorrow.”

Tina Barnes, Impact Director at The Seafarers’ Charity added: “A supportive work environment for seafarers is crucial at a time when the global workforce faces many and varied challenges. Effective, empathetic leadership and communication can make the difference between seafarers thriving rather than simply surviving in their careers.”