Episode Overview:

A conversation that challenges how the industry defines "wellbeing." Meei Wong, Founder and CEO of Circle Digital Ventures, breaks down why compliance-driven metrics miss the real picture onboard—and why trust, culture, and incentives are the real barriers to improving life at sea.

Timestamps:

00:05 – Introduction and Meei's journey into seafarer welfare 02:23 – A broken system: industry value vs reliance on charities

05:20 – What wellbeing actually looks like onboard vs compliance metrics 10:36 – Why self-reported data misses the reality

13:08 – Health gaps, underreporting, and life at sea 17:35 – Adoption challenges and resistance to new technology

20:13 – Who drives adoption—and who pays 24:23 – The shift from CSR to risk management

28:30 – The case for investing in human lives 31:26 – Closing thoughts and reading recommendations

Learn More:

Check out related conversations on seafarer welfare and human systems, including Episode 109, featuring Pam Kern talking about maritime mental health.

Tune in Now:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Watch the episode on YouTube.

Music by: Peg and The Rejected 'King of SKA' Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano

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