Cowes-based UKSA has been awarded the prestigious President’s Award for collaboration at The Seafarers’ Charity Annual General Meeting.
The award recognises UKSA’s leadership and commitment to address issues impacting the welfare and mental health of professional yacht crew, including the launch of a dedicated welfare hub in Antibes and fostering collaborative working groups.
Amy Sweeting, Director of Development and Impact, accepted the award, which was presented by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, President of The Seafarers’ Charity.
The accolade celebrates the work of UKSA and its leadership of the Changing Tack initiative, a multi-sector network that brings together maritime industry leaders, including The Seafarers’ Charity, Nautilus International and ISWAN. Together, they are driving forward a sector-wide commitment to improve mental health support, establish clear reporting mechanisms and ensure the safety and wellbeing of professional yacht crew.
UKSA has embedded Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing Training for Seafarers into every career programme it offers. This course, alongside its Mental Health First Aider qualification, is also available as a standalone option and is delivered worldwide – online, onboard vessels, at UKSA’s Cowes campus on the Isle of Wight, and through an international partnership with LaBelle Classe Academy in the South of France.
These programmes equip maritime professionals with essential understanding and appreciation of mental health challenges, enabling them to support both themselves and their crewmates effectively.
Cat Dixon, UKSA CEO, said:
“This President’s Award recognises UKSA’s innovative approach to addressing one of the maritime industry’s most pressing challenges. By fostering collaboration across the sector and developing practical solutions, UKSA continues to lead the transformation of crew welfare standards, ensuring the yacht industry becomes a thriving sector where the safety and wellbeing of all crew members remains the top priority.”
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A spokesperson for The Seafarers’ Charity commented:
“Protecting and promoting seafarer wellbeing is an ever-present challenge across the maritime community. And wellbeing issues can be especially acute amongst professional yacht crew. That’s why the UKSA are such worthy recipients of their President’s Award. Their efforts have had a lasting impact for seafarers, and we are confident they will continue to make outstanding contributions to seafarer welfare in years to come.”
