International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN)

International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN)


Key contact details

Website: https://www.iswan.org.uk/
Support services: https://www.iswan.org.uk/get-support/
SeafarerHelp: https://www.iswan.org.uk/seafarerhelp/
Telephone (Head Office): +44 (0)300 012 4279
Email (Head Office): iswan@iswan.org.uk
SeafarerHelp Telephone: +44 20 7323 2737
WhatsApp Support: Available via SeafarerHelp
Postal Address:
4th Floor, Silverstream House
45 Fitzroy Street
Fitzrovia
London
W1T 6EB
United Kingdom 

What this organisation does

The International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) is an international maritime charity that works to improve the lives of seafarers and their families worldwide. Its mission is to ensure that seafarers and their families have the support and resources they need to respond to the challenges of life at sea and to promote positive change across the maritime sector. 
ISWAN operates free, confidential and multilingual helpline services and provides welfare, wellbeing and practical support to seafarers and their families wherever they are in the world. 

Who can use the service

ISWAN support services are available to:
  • Seafarers of any nationality.
  • Family members of seafarers. 
  • Seafarers requiring emotional, wellbeing or practical support. 
  • Individuals seeking assistance while at sea, in port or at home. 
The service operates internationally and is designed to support seafarers and their families regardless of location. 

Support available

ISWAN provides a range of welfare and assistance services, including:

SeafarerHelp

A free, confidential, multilingual helpline available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 
Support may include:
  • Emotional support and someone to talk to. 
  • Wellbeing support and guidance. 
  • Practical assistance for personal or work-related difficulties. 
  • Information and signposting to additional support services. 
  • Access to welfare resources and guidance materials. 

Seafarer Centre Directory

An online directory helping seafarers find port welfare services and seafarer centres worldwide. 

Health and Wellbeing Resources

Free resources designed specifically for seafarers, covering wellbeing, stress management and challenges associated with life at sea. 

Relief Funds and Humanitarian Support

ISWAN administers relief funds and provides humanitarian assistance to help seafarers and their families facing hardship. 

ISWAN for Seafarers App

A mobile app providing access to helpline contacts, resources and useful information for seafarers, including offline access to key materials. 

Features and benefits

ISWAN can help seafarers and families by providing:
  • Free access to professional support services. 
  • A confidential service that can be contacted safely and discreetly. 
  • Multilingual support for people from different nationalities and backgrounds. 
  • 24-hour support throughout the year. 
  • Multiple contact methods including telephone, live chat, WhatsApp and email. 
  • Access to practical welfare information and specialist resources tailored to maritime life. 
  • Global availability regardless of where a seafarer is located. 

How to get help

Seafarers and family members can contact ISWAN through the following routes:
  1. Visit the ISWAN support page: https://www.iswan.org.uk/get-support/ 
  2. Start a live chat with the SeafarerHelp team. 
  3. Call SeafarerHelp on +44 20 7323 2737. 
  4. Send a WhatsApp message through the SeafarerHelp service. 
  5. Submit an email enquiry or request a callback through the support pages. 
  6. Download the ISWAN for Seafarers app for quick access to support and resources. 
If you are unsure which service you need, contact SeafarerHelp and the team will help direct you to appropriate support. 

Things to check before contacting them

Before making contact, it may help to:
  • Be ready to explain your concern or situation clearly.
  • Have your preferred contact method available.
  • Consider whether you require urgent emotional support, welfare guidance or practical assistance.
  • Check whether you would prefer support by phone, live chat, WhatsApp or email. 

Useful links

  • ISWAN Home: https://www.iswan.org.uk/ 
  • Get Support: https://www.iswan.org.uk/get-support/ 
  • SeafarerHelp: https://www.iswan.org.uk/seafarerhelp/ 
  • Support for Seafarers: https://www.iswan.org.uk/get-support/seafarers/ 
  • Seafarer Centre Directory: https://www.iswan.org.uk/seafarer-centre-directory/ 
  • ISWAN for Seafarers App: https://www.iswan.org.uk/our-app/
  • Resources Library: https://www.iswan.org.uk/resources/ 
  • Contact ISWAN: https://www.iswan.org.uk/contact-us/