Our Social Interaction Matters (SIM) project aims to identify methods to help shipping and ship management companies improve social interaction on board and in port.
Sponsored by the Maritime Coastguard Agency and Red Ensign Group, ISWAN’s Social Interaction Matters (SIM) project, began January 2020 and aims to identify methods to help shipping and ship management companies improve social interaction on board and in port.
Social interaction is beneficial for physical and mental wellbeing and particularly important for seafarers, who can be away from their home and family for many months. The current COVID-19 pandemic emphasises the necessity for crews to interact together as they find themselves increasingly isolated on board. The SIM project seeks the opinions of ALL those in the maritime industry to help improve crew cohesion and overcome barriers to socialising on board which can greatly contribute to social isolation and loneliness.
Please complete our short (5-minute) anonymous survey which can be accessed here:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Social-interaction-matters
We urge you to please take part in this survey and share the link with your respective networks.
For further details visit www.seafarerswelfare.org/our-work/social-interaction-matterscontact Caitlin Vaughan if you have any questions.
THANK YOU
13 March 2026
6 min read
When geopolitical conflict affects seafarers and their families, the emotional toll can be enormous. From managing stress and anxiety at sea to supporting loved ones waiting at home, this guide walks you through what you can do to protect your mental health and wellbeing during uncertain times.
5 March 2026
2 min read
Looking back on our year supporting seafarers and their families around the world.
29 January 2026
6 min read
The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) has published Phase Three of its Social Interaction Matters (SIM) Project, presenting foundational research into the role of social interaction in shaping seafarers’ wellbeing across commercial shipping, cruise ships, and superyachts.
