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Financial support is now available to seafarers and their families directly impacted by the Ukraine crisis through a new fund.

The new Ukraine Crisis Support Fund, which is managed by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) on behalf of the Seafarers International Relief Fund (SIRF), can provide one-time financial grants of up to US$500 to seafarers and their families to help with expenses including medical, rent, living costs, or educational support for children. It can also provide compensation of up to US$1,000 to next of kin if a seafarer has died as a direct consequence of the Ukraine crisis. The fund is open to seafarers of any nationality directly impacted by the Ukraine crisis.

Seafarer-centred organisations must apply to the fund on behalf of seafarers and their families – individual seafarers or family members cannot apply directly. Seafarer-centred organisations include (but are not limited to) maritime welfare charities, maritime unions, port welfare committees, ship management companies or manning agents. ISWAN is seeking the support of such organisations to make applications and ensure that the available funds reach those in need.

Information about the Ukraine Crisis Support Fund, including the criteria for application and how to apply, can be found at www.seafarerswelfare.org/relief-funds/ukraine-crisis-support-fund. Applying organisations can contact ISWAN for guidance by e-mail at [email protected] or telephone on +44 (0)300 012 4279.

ISWAN is advising seafarers and their families seeking financial support to contact a seafarer-centred organisation in their reach and refer them to the above webpage so the organisation can apply on their behalf. Further support for seafarers and their families is available via ISWAN’s free, 24-hour helpline SeafarerHelp – contact details and Live Chat can be found at www.seafarerhelp.org.

ISWAN’s Ukraine Crisis Support Fund was established through a donation from the Seafarers International Relief Fund (SIRF), which is managed by The Seafarers’ Charity. Urgent support is needed from the maritime industry to help those affected by the crisis. Companies and organisations wishing to donate to the SIRF can do so at www.theseafarerscharity.org/seafarers-international-relief-fund/home.