The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network’s (ISWAN) launched a free, confidential helpline for seafarers, which is now available on the instant messaging app Viber.
In 2017, ISWAN’s SeafarerHelp assisted 8,862 seafarers with concerns like family issues, personal problems, unpaid wages, repatriation and health issues.
The helpline offers a number of contact methods including e-mail, telephone, Live Chat, Facebook and WhatsApp. ISWAN, after feedback from seafarers, decided that Viber is the latest platform to be launched.
The app uses the device’s internet connection to send messages and make calls. This enables seafarers to get in touch from areas with low or no phone signal and avoid SMS fees and calling charges.
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SeafarerHelp is available on Viber from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 18:00, UK time. Any messages received outside these hours will be responded to within the mentioned times. All other contact methods for SeafarerHelp, excluding WhatsApp, remain available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year .
Seafarers and their families can contact SeafarerHelp by message or voice call on Viber using the following number: +44 (0)7741 594549. The app can be downloaded here, for Android devices, or here, for iOS devices).
