Sailors’ Society

Sailors’ Society



Contact details

Website: https://sailors-society.org/ 
24/7 support: Seafarers and family members can access free support through Sailors’ Society’s global helpline and instant chat service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access is available via the provider website.
Contact page: https://sailors-society.org/contact-us/ 

What this organisation does

Sailors’ Society is an international maritime welfare charity that supports seafarers and their families around the world. The organisation provides practical, emotional and wellbeing support throughout a seafarer’s career, from cadet training through to experienced seafarers working at sea.
Its services focus on welfare, mental health, crisis response, wellbeing training, peer support and emergency assistance. Sailors’ Society describes this approach as a "circle of care", providing support at different stages of a seafarer’s life and career. 

Who can use the service

Sailors’ Society supports:
  • Seafarers working in the global maritime industry.
  • Maritime cadets, ratings and trainees. 
  • Seafarers’ family members who need advice, emotional support or help during a crisis. 
  • Seafarers experiencing wellbeing concerns, personal difficulties, emergencies or workplace challenges. 
Support is available internationally and is not limited to a specific nationality. 

Support available

Sailors’ Society offers a range of welfare and wellbeing services, including:

24/7 Global Helpline and Instant Chat

  • Free support for seafarers and family members.
  • Available day and night.
  • Confidential guidance, listening support and signposting to further help. 

Crisis Response Network

Support during serious incidents, including:
  • Abandonment.
  • Piracy incidents.
  • Imprisonment or detention.
  • Other maritime emergencies affecting seafarers or their families.

Emergency Grants and Assistance

The charity can provide emergency financial assistance in certain circumstances, including urgent welfare needs and medical support. 

Sea Mate Programme

An industry wellbeing programme that equips designated shipboard personnel with skills to support colleagues and promote wellbeing on board vessels. 

Sea Ready

Pre-boarding wellbeing training designed to help seafarers prepare for joining a vessel and managing life at sea. 

Sea Coach

A personalised one-to-one coaching service to help seafarers manage change, build resilience and develop their careers.

Wellness at Sea Conferences

Online conferences and educational events designed for cadets, trainees and seafarers to improve understanding of wellbeing and life at sea. 

MyWellness E-learning

  • Interactive wellbeing resources.
  • Online and offline access.
  • Self-guided learning and support materials. 

Ship Connect

Regular welfare check-ins with vessel crews to identify concerns early and provide support when needed. 

Peer-to-Peer Support Groups

Moderated and confidential WhatsApp groups where seafarers can share experiences, advice and mutual support. 

Wellbeing Awareness Resources

Free wellbeing materials for:
  • Seafarers.
  • Families.
  • Shoreside maritime staff. 

Features and benefits

Using Sailors’ Society may help seafarers and their families to:
  • Access confidential emotional support whenever it is needed.
  • Receive help during maritime crises and emergencies.
  • Improve mental health and personal wellbeing.
  • Build resilience and coping skills for life at sea.
  • Connect with other seafarers through moderated peer support networks.
  • Access training, coaching and wellbeing education.
  • Obtain emergency assistance during exceptional circumstances.
  • Find support both while at sea and when at home. 

How to get help

  1. Visit the Sailors’ Society website at https://sailors-society.org/. 
  2. Use the website’s helpline or instant chat service for immediate assistance. 
  3. Explore support programmes, wellbeing resources and training opportunities through the website. 
  4. If experiencing a crisis situation such as abandonment, piracy or detention, contact the Crisis Response Network through the provider’s support channels. 
  5. Family members seeking support can also access the helpline and online services. 

Things to check before contacting them

  • Have details of your situation available, especially if support is needed urgently.
  • If contacting regarding a vessel-related incident, gather relevant voyage or vessel information where possible.
  • Check the provider website for any programme-specific eligibility requirements.
  • Review service information to identify the most appropriate support route for your needs. 
  • Home page: https://sailors-society.org/ 
  • Crisis and support information: https://sailors-society.org/ 
  • Sea Mate: https://sailors-society.org/ 
  • Sea Ready: https://sailors-society.org/ 
  • Sea Coach: https://sailors-society.org/ 
  • Wellness at Sea: https://sailors-society.org/ 
  • Contact page: https://sailors-society.org/contact-us/