Resource

Personal Safety Precautions for Job-Seeking Yacht Crew

We created this resource to help job-seeking yacht crew make safe, informed decisions during the recruitment process. It’s for all crew—no matter your gender, nationality, or experience.

Download here

SeafarerHelp

For seafarers and their families

YachtCrewHelp

For yacht crew and their families

ISWAN membership

For maritime organisations

Our mission

To ensure that seafarers and their families have the support and resources they need to respond to the challenges of life at sea, and to drive seafarer-centred change within the maritime sector

Seafarers bring us 90% of the things we use every day, and take care of us when we travel by sea, but this is often a tough job. We operate free, confidential, multilingual helplines to provide help and support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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ISWAN is a network of international organisations and companies committed to improving the welfare of seafarers. Our members reflect the diversity present in the maritime sector today, possessing a wealth of different experience, and include key stakeholders in the field of seafarers’ welfare.

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Our vision

A safe, fair and inclusive maritime sector that provides fulfilling careers and sustainable livelihoods for all seafarers and their families

ISWAN is there for all seafarers and their families around the world, whatever they are facing, providing free helpline services, educational resources, relief funds and humanitarian support. We also work to drive seafarer-centred change within the maritime sector for better health, safety and wellbeing amongst seafarers and their families, using data insights from our helplines to inform the development of new projects and services.

About us

Impactful

In 2023, we assisted over 6,400 seafarers and their families.

Global

In 2023, seafarers of 106 different nationalities contacted us.

Trusted

In 2023, we administered relief fund grants totalling over US$180,000.

Impactful

In 2023, we assisted over 6,400 seafarers and their families.

Global

In 2023, seafarers of 106 different nationalities contacted us.

Trusted

In 2023, we administered relief fund grants totalling over US$180,000.

New resource

HOW TO BE AN ALLY: Allyship guidance to build safer cultures at sea

View resource

Seafarer stories

Discover how we have made a difference to seafarers' lives

Emotional support

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Yacht crew safety

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Seafarer bullied by captain

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Download the ISWAN for Seafarers app

A free mobile app for seafarers which can be used offline to access help, information and support around the clock.

ISWAN Membership

Join our network of maritime stakeholders to improve the lives of seafarers and shape the future of seafarers’ welfare.

Exclusive access to ISWAN helpline data and statistics on welfare issues

Receive a quarterly members' e-newsletter with insights from our helplines.

Enjoy discounts on ISWAN services and sponsorship opportunities

Speak to our Business Development Manager to explore what we can offer.

Collaborate with like-minded organisations

Participate in key research and campaigns

Receive monthly expert briefing papers

Join our membership events

Strengthen your CSR/ESG objectives

Our latest news

From sea to shore – A seafarer’s story

16 April 2025

4 min read

Mihaela, a Marine People Advisor at Maersk and former seafarer, shares why she chose to transition to a shore-based career and how she supports those considering a career at sea.

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ISWAN advocates for a seafarer-centred future

1 April 2025

5 min read

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

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TALKING POINT: Addressing barriers for women seafarers in Nigeria

27 March 2025

1 min read

Koni Duniya, Founder/President of the Female Seafarers Association of Nigeria (FESAN), discusses gender discrimination and how to bridge the gap between the shipping industry and women seafarers in Nigeria.

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