International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network

Who we are

We are an international not-for-profit maritime organisation working to improve the lives of seafarers and their families with services, resources, strategies and advocacy.

Seafarers bring us 90% of the things we use every day and take care of us when we travel by sea, but their lives are often tough. They experience long periods away from family and friends with limited or no communication, fast turnaround in ports with restricted or no shore leave, reduced crew numbers and increased workloads.

ISWAN supports seafarers and their families around the world with our free helpline services, educational resources, relief funds and humanitarian support. We also work to drive change within the maritime sector for better health and wellbeing amongst seafarers, using data from our helplines to identify areas of need and inform new projects and research.

Our culture and values

Our work is seafarer-centred - informed by the needs and priorities of seafarers and their families with a holistic approach to wellbeing and safety. We are there for all seafarers and their families, whatever they are facing. Our helplines offer a safe space and a non-judgmental listening ear for seafarers and their families to share their thoughts and feelings, and we provide support, information and/or resources to allow individuals to make the best decisions for themselves to find a resolution. Our services and projects are solutions-focused and informed by insights from our helplines, and we increase our impact through partnerships with stakeholders from across the maritime sector.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

We promote a working environment in which diversity is recognised, valued, and encouraged. We are committed to principles of fairness and mutual respect where everyone accepts the concept of individual responsibility. Our policies seek to ensure job applicants and employees are treated fairly and without favour or prejudice. We are committed to applying this throughout all areas of employment.