The recently-issued ISWAN Annual Review 2020-21, covers the financial year from April 2020 to March 2021, highlighting some of the key issues seafarers have faced during the pandemic.
With calls and messages to its 24-hour helplines more than tripling last year as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, ISWAN have had a unique insight into the challenges faced by seafarers around the world.
‘In a year dominated by the pandemic, ISWAN adapted well to the new working environment and enthusiastically stepped up to meet the increased demands on its services from seafarers as they struggled with their own challenges
“…Chief Executive Officer Simon Grainge marked.
According to the report, from April 2020 to March 2021, 31 abandonment forms involving 333 seafarers submitted to the ILO/IMO Database on reported incidents of abandonment of seafarers. At the same time, over 1,800 seafarers safely returned home with the help of ISWAN’s team in India
What is more, ISWAN received over 20,000 calls and messages to its helplines from seafarers and their families seeking help and support. Twice the usual number of calls and messages relating to suicides or suicidal thoughts.
More than US $272,000 in grants awarded to those in desperate need through relief funds administered.
Food delivered daily by ISWAN’s team in the Philippines to around 2,000 crew members left stranded in Manila during the national lockdown.
The pandemic has yet to run its course and seafarers are still being asked to go above and beyond the call of duty, so ISWAN will do the same – supporting them in the best way we can.
… Simon Grainge added.
Concluding, the registered charity goals to adapt the following plans in the near future:
- improve its processes and make better use of technology to meet the changing needs of seafarers
- develop timely responses to the most prevalent issues identified through helplines, regions and membership to educate the sector and influence change.
- raise profile and position of ISWAN as a catalyst for delivering change to improve the lives of seafarers and their families.
- develop a truly international organisation that is financially and operationally sustainable.
EXPLORE ISWAN ANNUAL REVIEW HERE
