Crew welfare resources
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Everyday Support
Resources to help with stress, loneliness, and staying strong at sea.
ISWAN – SeafarerHelp
Free, 24/7 multilingual helpline for any personal or emotional problem. Totally confidential.
Website: www.seafarerhelp.org
Call: +44 20 7323 2737
WhatsApp: +44 7909 470732
Instant Chat: Live chat link
Email: [email protected]
Sailors’ Society
Wellness tools, advice, and crisis support for seafarers and their families.
Website: sailors-society.org/seafarers/
Call: +1 938 222 8181
Instant Chat: sailors-society.org/helpline
Email: [email protected]
Stella Maris
Port chaplains worldwide. Offer seafarers daily support through ship visits, emotional care, practical assistance, and spiritual guidance.
Website: stellamaris.org.uk
Chaplains List: https://stellamaris.org.uk/contact-us/chaplains-list/
Mission to Seafarers
Everyday spiritual and emotional support through its global network of chaplains.
Website: missiontoseafarers.org/seafarers
Email: [email protected]
Crisis Help
24/7 help in cases of abandonment, emergencies, or serious distress.
Sailors’ Society – Crisis Response Network
Trauma care and emotional support for seafarers and their families during emergencies and serious incidents (e.g. piracy, detainment, accidents, and abandonment).
Website: sailors-society.org/maritime-industry/crisis-response-network
Call: +1 938 222 8181
Instant Chat: sailors-society.org/helpline
Email: [email protected]
ISWAN – SeafarerHelp
Emergency emotional or crisis help. Can also help you find port chaplains and urgent services.
Website: iswan.org.uk/get-support/seafarers/
Call: +44 20 7323 2737
WhatsApp: +44 7909 470732
Instant Chat: Live chat link
Email: [email protected]
Stella Maris
Port chaplains worldwide. Help with trauma, repatriation, or crew abandonment.
Website: stellamaris.org.uk
Chaplains List: stellamaris.org.uk/contact-us/chaplains-list/
Mission to Seafarers – Emergency Help
Support in over 200 ports. Chaplains assist with urgent issues at sea or in port.
Website: missiontoseafarers.org/seafarers
Email: [email protected]
Your Rights & Legal Support
Know your rights, get help with unpaid wages, contracts, or unfair treatment.
ITF Seafarer Support (International Transport Workers’ Federation)
Free support from global inspectors if you’re facing problems with pay, contracts, or abuse.
Website: itfseafarers.org
Find your inspector: itfseafarers.org/en/apps/look-ship-inspector-or-union
Email: [email protected]
Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) Overview
Understand your basic rights at sea under international law (hours, pay, safety).
Website: itfseafarers.org/en/resources/maritime-labour-convention
For Your Family
Help for your family while you are working away at sea.
Sailors’ Society – Family Resources
Support for families of seafarers, including wellness education and care packs.
Website: sailors-society.org/seafarers/peer-to-peer/family-peer-to-peer-support-groups/
ISWAN – Family Support
Guides, support groups, and helplines for family members worried about a loved one at sea.
Website: seafarerhelp.org
Call: +44 20 7323 2737
WhatsApp: +44 7909 470732
Email: [email protected]
In Port & On Board
Practical support available near your ship or in port.
Mission to Seafarers – Port Welfare Map
Find local Seafarer Centres for Wi-Fi, counselling, or transport in 200+ ports.
Website: missiontoseafarers.org/our-ports
Stella Maris – Chaplain Directory
Meet someone in port to talk, pray, or help with essentials like SIM cards or transport.
Website: stellamaris.org.uk
Chaplains List: stellamaris.org.uk/contact-us/chaplains-list/
SeafarerHelp – Port Welfare Referrals
If you’re in distress at sea or approaching a port, SeafarerHelp can connect you to local support.
Website: www.seafarerhelp.org
Call: +44 20 7323 2737
WhatsApp: +44 7909 470732
Email: [email protected]