Seafarers onboard ships with KVH VSAT service installed, will from now on have the chance to make free Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls to ISWAN’s confidential 24-hour SeafarerHelp phone line. In fact, KVH VSAT informed that will place the free VoIP calls, in order to encourage seafarers’ communication while at sea.
For the records, ISWAN’s SeafarerHelp line is an initiative which boosts the mental health of seafarers globally. The helpline is completely confidential and available 24 hours per day.
In our experience, we have seen that seafarer issues range from the simple to the complex and the most pressing need is having someone empathetic to confide in, which can be challenging in the onboard environment. This hotline is dedicated to ensuring seafarers speak to someone in time, and with KVH’s involvement they can do so without having to worry about technical issues or data costs.
…said Roger Harris, executive director of ISWAN.
As talking to someone about their issues is an important first step, the free VoIP calls to SeafarerHelp are available from all the KVH VSAT vessels and with the use of a VoIP phone seafarers can get immediately connected with the helpline. Moreover, seafarers can contact SeafarerHelp by calling: +44 (0)20 7323 2737.
In light of the seafarers’ communication, crewmembers onboard ships entering Australian ports, will from now on experience a new initiative called “Seafarer Connect”. Specifically, the system will offer free WiFi signal and internet access to every seafarer visiting Australia.
