ISWAN advocates for a seafarer-centred future

Listening more closely to seafarers is essential to a safe, sustainable maritime sector, says the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN).



The maritime sector is having to adapt rapidly to respond to major challenges, including the urgent need to decarbonise and the targeting of shipping in geopolitical conflicts. These factors are having significant impacts on the daily realities that seafarers face during their life and work at sea. In the context of the maritime sector's growing recruitment and retention crisis, it is more important than ever before for the sector to take proactive steps to understand and address the challenges that seafarers and their families face.



In launching its new three-year strategic plan, ISWAN shares its vision for a safe, fair and inclusive maritime sector that provides fulfilling careers and sustainable livelihoods for all seafarers and their families. This includes giving seafarers and their families a meaningful role in decision-making, and taking a holistic approach to wellbeing and safety that considers their physical, mental, emotional and financial health.



Through its helplines and case work, ISWAN frequently hears from seafarers who feel that the challenges they face in their life and work at sea are not acknowledged or taken into account. In response, ISWAN plans to influence change in the maritime sector by using its platform to amplify the voices of seafarers and their families, raise awareness of their concerns and advocate for evidence-based solutions.



Simon Grainge, Chief Executive of ISWAN, said: ‘We are working to ensure all our projects, services and resources at ISWAN are informed by the needs of seafarers and their families as well as insights from our helplines. We will be strengthening our commitment over the next three years to working in partnership with active seafarers and families to develop solutions that take full account of the unique challenges of seafaring.

“However, ISWAN’s new strategic plan does not just chart a course for us as an organisation; it also shares the seafarer-centred change we want to see in the maritime sector.’



As ISWAN publishes its 2025-28 strategic plan, it encourages the entire maritime sector – across the shipping, yachting and cruise industries – to create an environment in which all seafarers feel safe, valued and respected and have the support and resources they need to respond to the challenges of life at sea.



ISWAN shared its vision, mission and goals with a number of seafarers in its network ahead of the launch for their feedback.



Zaldrene John Gabales, an Able Seaman at Leonis Navigation Company Inc. and a maritime social media influencer, commented: “I really appreciate ISWAN’s vision and mission because it takes a holistic and practical approach to seafarers' wellbeing, especially when it comes to mental health.”

Majella Angelie Parreño-Albances, a Third Officer at Wallem Shipmanagement, said: “The growing presence and involvement of ISWAN in the maritime industry is proof acknowledging that our seafarers need help with their wellbeing and welfare.”

ISWAN believes strategic partnerships, joined-up working and cross-sector collaboration is key in avoiding duplication, and the organisation aims to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange to improve outcomes for seafarers.



Tina Barnes, Impact Director at The Seafarers' Charity, said: ‘It is important to listen to seafarers' voices and to hear from them about their needs and aspirations. This is why The Seafarers' Charity continues to fund ISWAN's fantastic SeafarerHelp. As a 24-hour multilingual helpline it enables seafarers to describe their challenges in their own words, and importantly, to get the help they need.

“ISWAN's new strategic plan with a vision of ‘A safe, fair and inclusive maritime sector’ will have resonance for all who care about the psychological safety and wellbeing of seafarers.”