At the Safety at Sea Awards in London, Chennai man and former seafarer Manoj Joy won the unsung hero award.

Manoj dedicated himself to supporting seafarers for many years through his work as the community development manager of the Sailors’ Society and his magazine, Waves, which highlights issues of seafarer welfare.

A charity, Sailors’ Society works internationally to provide practical, emotional and spiritual welfare support to the seafarers of the world. They have a presence in 91 global ports, with wider projects and services covering 30 countries.

“Manoj’s dynamism and vision for improving seafarers’ welfare has changed the lives of many seafarers across India, and we’re thrilled this has been recognised in this award,” said Sandra Welch, Sailors’ Society’s deputy CEO and director of programme.

The unsung hero award recognises people in any maritime role, who have “gone above and beyond the call of duty to support colleagues at sea or shoreside, with the aim of raising industry safety standards and/or protecting/educating crew from/about safety risks.”

“I am humbled to receive this award and am filled with joy and gratitude for all of the kind words and support,” said Manoj.