Tag: SeafarerHelp

The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) reports that exceptional stresses experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic may have eased, but life remains extremely challenging for many seafarers.

Seafarers, shipping companies and their agents can report incidents of corruption in Indian ports and seaside through a new, multilingual and 24/7 helpline provided by MACN in India and operated by ISWAN.

The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) has shared insights into the issues faced by seafarers and their families in 2022 with a new infographic of data from its helplines.

The recently-issued ISWAN Annual Review 2020-21 highlights some of the key issues seafarers have faced during the pandemic.

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.

15% of deaths at sea are by suicide. The key question to ask when shocking tragedies onboard come to light is this: do they signify social isolation? And, what leads to seafarers’ social isolation?

September 10 marked the World Suicide Prevention Day through activities including educational and commemorative events, press briefings and conferences, as well as Facebook and Twitter coverage. But is that enough to support our seafarers before it's too late?  

ISWAN launched a free, confidential helpline for seafarers, which is now available on the instant messaging app Viber. 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. The app uses the device’s internet connection to send messages and make calls.

ISWAN has published the 2015 Annual Review for SeafarerHelp which reveals that last year has been busy for the SeafarerHelp team, with a 17% increase in the number of cases compared to 2014. Cases and seafarers helped have tripled since 2011, as seafarers have become more aware of the support SeafarerHelp team can provide.

ISWAN issues 2014 Annual Review for SeafarerHelp SeafarerHelp is the free 24 hour multi-lingual helpline for seafarers run by the International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN).ISWAN have just produced the 2014 Annual Review for SeafarerHelp which reveals that last year has been busy for the helpline with a 53% increase in the number of calls to SeafarerHelp and a 19% increase in the number of seafarers assisted.In 2014 the SeafarerHelp team dealt with 1,920 new cases and helped over 7,710 seafarers. Since 2011 there has been a dramatic growth in the number of calls coming into SeafarerHelp and the number of seafarers assisted - there has been nearly a 270% increase in the number of calls and over a 250% increase in the number of seafarers helped.The most common problems seafarers faced were upaid wages, problems with repatriation, contractual problems, sub-standard conditions on board and health issues. There were a lot calls requesting information and seeking employment.Number of casesIn 2014 the number of new cases dealt with by the SeafarerHelp team was 1,920, involving 7,710 seafarers.Most of the contacts that SeafarerHelp receives are referred on to specialist organisations for direct assistance. These include the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) ...