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Impactful
In 2023, we assisted over 6,400 seafarers and their families.
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.
Download our strategic planGlobal support
In 2023, we assisted over 6,400 seafarers and their families.
Driving change within the maritime sector
In 2023, seafarers of 106 different nationalities contacted us.
Seafarer supported by ISWAN's SeafarerHelp
In 2023, we administered relief fund grants totalling over US$180,000.
Our history
2013
2015
2016
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Our work
Chair
Chair
"Karin Orsel became a ship-owner and maritime entrepreneur at the age of 23 in the northern town of Delfzijl in the Netherlands. She started with a modest fleet of six ships and a team of 60 crewmembers on board and three employees in the office. The Dutch-based ship management company MF Shipping Group now runs a fleet of approximately 55 modern and versatile vessels, and employs approximately 1,250 seafarers and 80 office staff employees. Besides her core business, she is an independent board member of various other organisations both inside and outside the maritime sector. Karin currently serves as Vice Chair of European Community Ship Owners Association (ECSA), Board member (immediate past President) of the Royal Association of Netherlands Ship-owners (KVNR), Board Member of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Chair Diversity panel ICS, and Member of the Executive Committee of INTERTANKO."
Trustee
Trustee
René Andersen is CEO of Denmark-based SEA HEALTH & WELFARE, with a solid reputation for achieving good health and welfare outcomes for seafarers on Danish flagged ships by providing strategic direction, diverse perspective, and positive leadership. He was previously Head of Section at the Ministry of Defense, Denmark and has held numerous roles in the Danish Armed Forces. He is Chairman of the board for Danish Engineers Officers Association and Board member of Danish Society on Maritime Medicine, and was previously Board members of the Danish Government Seamen's Service and Danmarks Tekniske Museum (Technical Museum of Denmark).
Trustee
Trustee
Charles is a barrister and has been Director of Legal Services at Nautilus International since 2007, involved in many matters involving seafarers’ living and working conditions, welfare, employment disputes and personal injuries. He has also been involved in the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, at international, EU and UK levels. He has attended the Special Tripartite Committee meetings at the ILO, where the MLC has been amended, and served on the drafting committees. Charles holds an LL.B (Hons) degree from the University of Liverpool, and an LL.M degree in the Law of Employment Relations from the University of Leicester. He was Called to the Bar by the Middle Temple in 1994. Charles is the author of: Maritime Labour Convention, 2006: UK and REG Implementation (Bloomsbury Professional).
Trustee
Trustee
A transplanted Canadian, now living in Australia, Jillian has almost four decades of experience in the maritime industry. A graduate of the Canadian Coast Guard College (Navigation) she has experience both afloat and ashore. She is passionate about education and training, diversity, equity and inclusion, with a focus on the maritime industry. She is a Director of GlobalMET, an adjunct senior researcher with the University of Tasmania (Australian Maritime College), a past president of The Nautical Institute (NI) and a Board member of Captains without Borders. Active in the international maritime environment, Jillian currently chairs or participates on a number of committees and panels. Jillian’s expertise in navigation, education, vessel tracking, and maritime radio communication technology has been recognised by the award of Fellowships with both the Royal Institute of Navigation and the Nautical Institute.
Trustee
Trustee
Capt. Ashley Mark Cooper serves as the Group Marine Director of Scorpio Ship Management s.a.m. in Monaco. He has been with the Company since September 2000 and has participated actively in its growth, holding positions of increasing responsibility over the years. Prior to joining Scorpio he spent 18 years at sea, including command on tankers, before coming ashore to work as a Tanker Broker in Genoa, Italy, and as a Marne Superintendent for a Monaco based Ship Manager. In addition to his roles at Scorpio and ISWAN, Captain Cooper is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, a Member of the Intertanko Council and Vice Chair of the Vetting Committee, a Member of the Executive Committee of the Marshall Islands Quality Council and a Member of the Nautical Institute.
Trustee
Trustee
Michael John Esplago hails from a seafaring family and embarked on his maritime journey by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation at the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP). He then served as a deck officer, progressively advancing in ranks. In 2014, Mike took on the role of Shipboard Training Officer at MAAP, then transitioned to the role of Maritime Education and Training Standards Supervisor at the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). Since 2017, Mike has been at the helm of the iMaritime Research Center, and simultaneously co-founded TERP, an educational technology company that focuses on making education, particularly in the maritime sector, more accessible. He serves as a Competent Person for the Maritime Safety Committee at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Director at PEPPS TV, and Vice President at Global Quality Partners based in Boston, Massachusetts.
Trustee
Trustee
Sue Henney works as head of marketing for Idwal, a global tech-enabled ship inspection business. Sue has worked in the maritime industry for 30 years, for several companies providing services to crew, be it connectivity, digital entertainment, multi-language news or training. At Idwal, Sue is working on several initiatives, helping to provide clearer independent insight into crew conditions on board vessels. She is passionate about helping to bring practical improvements to life at sea for all seafarers.
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
Connie Roozen is a tax partner at C&B More since 2012. C&B More is a tax advising firm specialized in a.o. advising the maritime industry and international tax planning. After graduating from Tilburg University in Fiscal Economics, Connie started with EY and has been working for EY for 15 years, the last three years as a tax partner in Rotterdam. Connie is a member of the Rotterdam Maritime Board (consulting the Mayor and Aldermen), a member of the Executive Committee as Treasurer of WISTA International (Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association), and the Vice President of the Committee Fiscal Affairs of the Dutch Royal Shipowners Association (KVNR). To empower women in business, Connie founded the network ‘Connecting More Women’ in 2013.
Trustee
Trustee
Sadie Saunders started her career in the travel and tourism industry, specialising in event management, before joining the ITF in 2004 as a team administrator for the maritime sections and departments. Sadie progressed through various roles within the maritime administration team and became head of the team in 2012. In June 2022 Sadie became the ITF Maritime Policy Adviser, building on the breadth of knowledge and experience gained during her time at the ITF. Sadie has supported the successful delivery of many ITF Maritime events, including Maritime Roundtables, which brought together trade union organisers to shape the ITF’s future maritime activities for the benefit of workers at sea and in ports globally. Sadie has also supported the ITF in their negotiations at the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), which negotiates the world’s largest global collective bargaining agreement.
Trustee
Trustee
Deepak Shetty is a former Indian career civil servant, who eventually retired in the highest rank of Secretary to the Govt. of India. He has held numerous and diverse official assignments in his civil service career in the Govt of India, including as Director General of Shipping and Joint Director General of Shipping. He is the recipient of 25 national and international awards / commendations, and currently serves, among other things, as: Maritime Transportation and Crime Expert on the ‘Global Experts Roster’ of the Security Council Affairs Division of the United Nations, New York; Senior Adviser (India) to The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), Copenhagen; and Certified Independent Director on the Board of Directors of several Indian companies.
Trustee
Trustee
Karen Waltham, an HR Director and Independent People Management Consultant, has a passion for ‘people’. During her professional career, she has worked both operationally and strategically, holding senior and Executive positions in global and FTSE 100 companies. Her focus has been on establishing HR functions, managing complex and extensive Change Management programmes, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Industrial Relations, Business Management and leading Diversity and Inclusion initiatives. In the maritime sector, she was Head of HR, Europe and Global Talent Director at AET, and Managing Director, HR Consulting, Spinnaker Global. She is currently a Maritime Skills Commissioner, leading on the People Management Scheme of Work, and a member of the Maritime UK Careers Taskforce, chairing the Careers Professionals Working Group.
Trustee
Trustee
Dr. Jason Zuidema is Executive Director of the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) and General Secretary of the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA). The goals of both organisations include professional development and networking for its members, but also providing a common voice for seafarers’ welfare to increase collaboration with ports, government, labor, and the wider maritime industry. Dr. Zuidema has been involved in the seafarers’ welfare since 1997 and previously taught at Montreal’s Concordia University. He currently serves also as General Secretary of the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA), is vice-chair of the Canadian National Seafarers' Welfare Board, and is the producer of the Ship Welfare Visitor Course online for the UK’s Merchant Navy Welfare Board.
Chief Executive
Chief Executive
Simon was appointed as Chief Executive of ISWAN in June 2021. In a previous career, Simon was a Police Officer for 20 years before moving into the charity sector where he gained substantial experience of leading organisations working in the fields of homelessness and poverty reduction. Simon has also worked in international development in the disability sector, leading programmes in Nepal and Pakistan. He describes the maritime sector as an incredible place to work and wishes he’d discovered it earlier.
Projects and Relationships Manager
Projects and Relationships Manager
Georgia joined ISWAN in April 2021. She is responsible for the strategic delivery of ISWAN’s diverse range of projects related to seafarers’ mental and physical health and welfare. She works closely with the ISWAN team and a wide range of industry stakeholders, to ensure each project is directly informed by key seafarer insights and data from the ISWAN helplines. Before joining ISWAN, Georgia worked as a Buyer for a global retailer and she has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ancient History.
International Operations Manager
International Operations Manager
Chirag spearheads the operation and development of ISWAN's international initiatives, working closely with regional stakeholders to establish vital support systems for seafarers and their families in times of need. Chirag began his career at sea in 2004, following his graduation as a Marine Engineer. Over the years, he climbed the ranks and attained the Chief Engineer's License. Chirag holds an MBA (Maritime Business Management) with Merit from Middlesex University, UK, and is a fellow and a Governing Council Member of the Institute of Marine Engineers (India). Chirag was held hostage by Somali pirates on a hijacked vessel in 2010 and has since devoted his life to assisting seafarers and their families affected by piracy and other challenges.
Finance Manager
Finance Manager
Wendy is a fellow Chartered Certified accountant with over three decades of experience working in finance and accountancy. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Law, she started her training at a firm of accountants in Wimbledon. She has been running finance departments for limited companies, PLCs and not-for-profit organisations, as well as looking after multi-million pound construction projects, Trade unions’ finances and international membership organisations similar to ISWAN.
Business Development Manager
Business Development Manager
Alan began working with ISWAN as Business Development Manager in August 2022. He is responsible for the management of our membership network and client services; his role is to identify opportunities that will promote growth and increase awareness of ISWAN. Before joining ISWAN, Alan worked as a port agent in the Merseyside region, where he gained good understanding of the maritime industry and his passion for seafarer welfare began.
Consultant Policy and Research Advisor
Consultant Policy and Research Advisor
Katie began working with ISWAN as a consultant in July 2022. She is supporting ISWAN to develop the use of helpline data to identify trends in seafarer welfare and increase ISWAN’s profile and influence at a policy level. She previously worked as a policy and research manager in the homelessness sector in the UK. She holds a PhD in Latin American Studies and spent a year undertaking fieldwork in Mexico.
Country Manager, ISWAN – Philippines
Country Manager, ISWAN – Philippines
In a reality where COVID-19 did not happen, Marville’s plan was to spend a good few years of his life as an active seafarer. He served his last ship as the ship’s navigation officer, the second mate. However, like hundreds of thousands of seafarers, he was forced to recalibrate his life and work ashore. Since then, Marville has dabbled in maritime education and educational technology. He is also passionate about community projects and seafarers’ welfare and rights, which ultimately led him to join ISWAN.
Communications Manager
Communications Manager
Amy joined ISWAN in 2016. She is responsible for increasing awareness of ISWAN’s work among seafarers, maritime organisations and other stakeholders, along with promoting and reporting on ISWAN’s programmes, events and campaigns. Before joining ISWAN, Amy worked for a London-based market research agency and in charity fundraising at a commercial radio company. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Conservation.
Helplines Manager
Helplines Manager
Chester joined ISWAN in 2005. He is in charge of the operation and management of all the helplines that ISWAN runs. He is also responsible for the in-house training of new and existing helpline team members as well as developing guidelines and procedures. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Before he joined ISWAN in the UK, Chester practiced and taught law in the Philippines.
Clinical Supervisor
Clinical Supervisor
Steph joined ISWAN in January 2024. She is responsible for providing clinical oversight, supervision and mental health-related training across ISWAN and its helpline services. Before joining ISWAN, Steph lived in China and was the Counselling Support Manager for Lifeline China, a helpline that provides emotional support to those in need. She has also worked as a counsellor, supporting people across the lifespan with mental health concerns. Steph has a Master of Counselling from Monash University, Australia, and a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) from University of Newcastle, Australia.
Ambassador - Gulf Region
Ambassador - Gulf Region
Ambassador - Kenya
Ambassador - Kenya
As the Advisor to the Blue Economy at the Executive Office of the President of Kenya and Ambassador and Special Envoy for Maritime and Blue Economy for the Government of Kenya Spokesperson, Amb. Karigithu brings valuable insights to strengthen seafarers' welfare in her region.
Ambassador - Malaysia
Ambassador - Malaysia
Ambassador - Sri Lanka
Ambassador - Sri Lanka
As a Trustee at the National Union of Seafarers Sri Lanka-Affiliated to ITF, Capt. Codipilly's extensive experience, including roles at Disabled Seamen Benevolent Fund and Mercantile Shipping Company Limited PLC, reflects his commitment to seafarers' welfare.
Ambassador - Bangladesh
Ambassador - Bangladesh
Ambassador - SE Asia (including Singapore & Hong Kong)
Ambassador - SE Asia (including Singapore & Hong Kong)
Ambassador - Pakistan
Ambassador - Pakistan
Volunteer - Iran
Volunteer - Iran
Volunteer - Bangladesh
Volunteer - Bangladesh
Volunteer - Amsterdam / Europe
Volunteer - Amsterdam / Europe
ISWAN is a network of international organisations and companies committed to improving the welfare of seafarers. Whatever your business or organisational objectives, as an ISWAN member you can take advantage of opportunities which will benefit you and help us to continue to improve the lives of seafarers and their families.
Find out more
Our direct services for seafarers include our free, confidential, multilingual helpline SeafarerHelp, available 24/7/365, and relief funds providing financial support to seafarers and their families in times of crisis.
We work to improve the lives of yacht crew worldwide by developing services, resources, strategies, and advocacy which promote better health, personal safety, and wellbeing.
Seafarers from across the maritime sector - whether they work in shipping, the cruise industry or on board superyachts - can access support through ISWAN.
1 October 2024
1 min read
30 September 2024
3 min read
New resources released by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) give practical steps for fostering a culture of allyship between seafarers
2 September 2024
4 min read
A new seafarer-led campaign by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) highlights the role of allyship in creating safe and inclusive environments on board.