SeafarerHelp (International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN))

Contact details

Website: https://www.iswan.org.uk/seafarerhelp/

Live Chat: Available through the SeafarerHelp website.

WhatsApp: Available through SeafarerHelp support channels via the official website.

Support availability: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Contact page: https://www.iswan.org.uk/seafarerhelp/

What this organisation does

SeafarerHelp is a service provided by the International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN). It offers free, confidential and multilingual support to seafarers and their families wherever they are in the world. The service provides emotional, wellbeing and practical assistance through a dedicated helpline and access to trusted welfare information and resources.

The service is designed to support people working at sea who may be experiencing personal difficulties, welfare concerns, health and wellbeing issues, family-related challenges or practical problems that affect life on board or ashore.

Who can use the service

The service is available to:

Seafarers of all nationalities.
Seafarers working anywhere in the world.
Family members of seafarers seeking support or guidance.

There is no indication on the provider website that users need to be members of a specific organisation to access SeafarerHelp. Support is presented as a free service for seafarers and their families.

Support available

SeafarerHelp provides access to:

Free and confidential helpline support.
Multilingual assistance.
Emotional support for personal and wellbeing concerns.
Practical guidance and assistance.
Information, guidance and resources covering issues that may affect seafarers.
A Seafarer Centre Directory to help users find welfare centres and port welfare services worldwide.
Health and wellbeing resources created specifically for the challenges faced by seafarers.

Features and benefits

SeafarerHelp can help seafarers and families by providing:

Support at any time of the day or night through a 24/7 service.
Confidential assistance when discussing sensitive personal or welfare concerns.
Multilingual support to help overcome language barriers.
Access to practical guidance and trusted welfare information.
Help locating welfare services and support facilities while in port.
Health and wellbeing resources tailored to the realities of life at sea.
Support for both seafarers and family members affected by maritime life.

The provider reports supporting thousands of seafarers and family members annually and handling thousands of calls and messages through the service.

How to get help

If you need support:

Visit the SeafarerHelp website.
Start a live chat through the website.
Contact the service through its WhatsApp support channel.
Browse the guidance, wellbeing resources and support information available online.
Use the Seafarer Centre Directory to locate welfare support in ports around the world.

SeafarerHelp states that assistance is available wherever you are in the world.

Things to check before contacting them

Before making contact, it may help to:

Have a brief summary of your concern or situation ready.
Consider whether you need emotional support, practical assistance or information about local welfare services.
Check your internet connection if using live chat or online resources.
Have relevant information available if your enquiry relates to employment, welfare, family concerns or wellbeing.

The provider website does not currently specify any referral requirement for accessing SeafarerHelp.

Useful links

SeafarerHelp homepage
https://www.iswan.org.uk/seafarerhelp/

Start live chat
Available through the SeafarerHelp website.

Health and wellbeing resources
Available through the SeafarerHelp website resources section.

Seafarer Centre Directory
Available through the SeafarerHelp website directory section.

ISWAN website
https://www.iswan.org.uk/