Maritime welfare and wellbeing refer to the comprehensive support systems in place for seafarers, addressing their physical, mental, and emotional health both at sea and ashore. This includes access to safe living conditions, medical care, effective communication tools, rest periods, and shore leave, all essential for maintaining a safe and fulfilling maritime career.

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In recent years, the industry has taken meaningful steps to address the unique challenges of life at sea. Long periods away from home, isolation, disrupted sleep, and demanding workloads are just some of the stressors seafarers face.

 In response, maritime organisations and regulatory bodies have implemented guidelines and practical measures to improve working conditions and promote supportive onboard environments.

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Key organisations such as the International Seafarers' Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN), the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the UK Chamber of Shipping, the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI), the Maritime Skills Alliance (MSA) and theMerchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) all play a central role in this progress, and contribute through the development of guidelines, training standards and welfare-focused programs. (refer to full list below)

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Together, these organisations are embedding wellbeing into the core of maritime operations and education as a professional standard. As mental health awareness grows globally, the maritime industry continues to evolve, promoting a culture where seafarers feel supported, valued, and resilient, making welfare a lived reality, not just a requirement.

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IAMI’s Commitment to Welfare: Training That Cares

At the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI), we recognise that the wellbeing of seafarers is fundamental to a safe, professional, and sustainable maritime industry. We are committed to embedding mental health awareness and welfare education across all levels of maritime training.

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Working with our associates and through the promotion and support of industry-leading initiatives, such as the GUEST Yacht Mental Health & Wellbeing program, IAMI ensures that crew are equipped not only with technical skills, but also with the emotional tools needed to manage stress, support one another, and thrive in challenging environments.

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We believe that welfare and wellbeing is not optional, it is essential. IAMI will continue to lead by example, working collaboratively with our partners to adopt a culture of care, resilience, and respect throughout the global maritime training community.

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Organisations and Initiatives Supporting Seafarer Wellbeing

This is a list of some of the organisations that support and advocate for seafarer welfare and wellbeing.

(Note: This list is not exhaustive.)

 

·       International Seafarers' Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN)

Helplines, Training, Resources
About: ISWAN plays a crucial role through a network of support for seafarers and their families across maritime disciplines, offering 24/7 helplines, wellness and educational resources, relief funds, and crisis support. Programs like SeafarerHelp and Wellness at Sea tackle key challenges in maritime life. They also provide a 24/7 multilingual hotline for yacht crew: Yacht Crew Help

 

·       Sailors' Society
Coaching, Wellness Programs

About: Focuses on seafarer wellbeing through coaching, crisis response, mental health training, and global wellness programs.

 

·       Mission to Seafarers
Practical & Emotional Support

About: Provides global practical, emotional, and spiritual support to seafarers and their families with port-based visits for spiritual care and welfare advice.

 

·       UK Chamber of Shipping
Policy, Guidance, Resources

About: Collaborates with unions and stakeholders to develop and share mental health and wellbeing guidance for shipping companies.

 

·       Nautical Institute
Training, Publications, Resources

About: Offers training and resources on safety, wellbeing, and leadership, as well as publications that emphasize mental health, safety culture, and welfare on board.

 

·       Lloyd's Register
Technology, Innovation

About: Explores innovative technological solutions for seafarer mental health, such as the Care4C wristband sensor, to monitor wellbeing in real time.

 

·       Seafarers' Charity
Funding, Advocacy

About: A key funding body supporting projects that improve the welfare of seafarers and their families, including research, advocacy, and frontline charities.

 

·       Changing Tack
Guidance, Advocacy, Resources

About: A Superyacht Alliance Think Tank founded by the Seafarers Charity, ISWAN, Nautilus, and UKSA, focused on supporting welfare solutions for superyacht crew.

 

·       Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
Regulations, Standards

About: Sets regulatory frameworks that include wellbeing within seafarer training, working conditions, and operational safety standards.

 

·       Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB)
Training Frameworks

About: Develops training frameworks that include welfare competencies, working closely with industry to embed wellbeing into maritime education.

 

·       Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB)
Guidance, Charity

About: Improving the lives of seafarers and fishers by raising welfare standards in collaboration with the UK Merchant Navy & Fishing Fleets.

 

·       International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI)
Guidance, Resources, Training

About: Supports mental health education through training programs such as the GUEST Yacht Mental Health & Wellbeing module, and advocates for welfare-focused learning. Improving awareness through stakeholders and Associate memberships.

 

·       Wellness at Sea (SAMSA + ISWAN)
Resources, Training

About: A collaboration between the South African Maritime Safety Authority and ISWAN to promote physical and psychological wellbeing of seafarers through training and self-assessment tools.

 

·       Nautilus International
Union, Legal Support

About A trade union and professional association offering legal, welfare, and mental health support to its maritime members.

 

·       ITF Seafarers’ Trust
Charity, Advocacy

About Part of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, this charity funds initiatives that improve the wellbeing of maritime workers, including port-based welfare services, mental health research, and global advocacy.

 

·       Stella Maris (Formerly Apostleship of the Sea)
Funding, Spiritual & Practical Support

About A global Catholic charity offering spiritual and practical support to all seafarers, regardless of faith. They provide ship visits, welfare advice, and crisis assistance.

 

·       CHIRP Maritime (Confidential Human Factors Incident Reporting Programme)
Confidential Reporting

About Provides a confidential platform for reporting safety and welfare concerns, including mental health-related issues, contributing to safer and healthier working environments.

 

·       Marine Benefits (Wilhelmsen Group):
Offers crew medical insurance and wellness programs with a focus on proactive health management and mental wellbeing.

 

·       Maritime Charities Group (UK):
A coalition of UK-based maritime charities that collaborate to coordinate funding, share insights, and improve support services across the sector.

 

·       International Chamber of Shipping (ICS):
Advocates for global standards on seafarer welfare and has published guidelines on mental health and fatigue management for shipping companies.

 

·       INTERTANKO / INTERCARGO:
Representing the interests of tanker and bulk carrier operators respectively, both organisations promote best practices in crew welfare through guidance documents and joint welfare initiatives.

 

·       SeafarerHelp App (by ISWAN):
Although developed by ISWAN, it deserves standalone mention as a widely used mobile platform giving seafarers 24/7 access to support services, including mental health assistance.

 

·       World Health Organization (WHO):
While not maritime-specific, WHO collaborates with maritime health experts and IMO to offer guidance on seafarer mental health, especially in crisis situations like COVID-19.

 

·       Marathon for Mental Health:

Take part in event running charities that by bring together people and communities who care about mental health and want to make a difference by actively raising awareness and providing support.

https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/donate-or-fundraise/take-on-an-active-challenge/run-for-mind/

 

Please let us know of any changes or additions to the above list.