For seafarers and their families
For yacht crew and their families
For maritime organisations
Our mission
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.
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.
Our vision
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 and our teams in India and the Philippines to identify areas of need and inform new projects and research.
About usIn 2023, we assisted over 6,400 seafarers and their families.
In 2023, seafarers of 106 different nationalities contacted us.
In 2023, we administered relief fund grants totalling over US$180,000.
Seafarer stories
A free mobile app for seafarers which can be used offline to access help, information and support around the clock.
ISWAN Membership
Receive a quarterly members' e-newsletter with insights from our helplines.
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
5 December 2024
6 min read
A new joint study by ISWAN and Gujarat Maritime University examines the under-researched issue of fraudulent recruitment in India and the steps that can be taken to provide safer routes into a seafaring career.Â
3 December 2024
1 min read
The ISWAN Seminar 2024 in India, hosted on 28th November at the Maritime Training Institute (SCI) in Mumbai, brought together key maritime stakeholders to address pressing challenges affecting seafarers and their families.
28 November 2024
1 min read
A joint study by ISWAN and Gujarat Maritime University reveals the devastating impact of recruitment fraud on India's maritime workforce. The report uncovers how unscrupulous agents exploit seafarers, trapping thousands in cycles of debt, dangerous working conditions, and professional uncertainty.
