International Seafarer Resources - Outside UK
Port Welfare Information
There are non-commercial welfare services dedicated to seafarers in around 450 ports worldwide. These are usually run by non-profit organisations for the benefit of visiting seafarers. The following services and directories give information on port welfare services around the world:
SeafarerHelp
Provides a search facility for seafarers to find services in over 400 ports around the world. Use this or contact SeafarerHelp direct to ask for information or to arrange assistance.
Shore Leave App
Download this app for details of seafarers’ centres and ship welfare visitors around the world listed by port. Developed by IFT Seafarers.
Port Visitor
The Port Visitor platform has been created to act as a directory of port facilities for seafarers and to enable port communities to review and improve the port welfare services they offer.
Join Port Visitor today.
Seafarers’ Centres & ITF
ITF Seafarers – covers seafarers’ issues, health, and rights. Also available as an app for smartphone.
ICMA The International Christian Maritime Association ( ICMA ) lists organisations that work with seafarers for their welfare in different countries around the world. It includes the ‘chat to a chaplain’ service. Good for research into services in specific countries for the benefit of seafarers and their families.
Ship arrest, repatriation, unpaid wages
SRI Information on ship arrest
SCI’s Center for Mariner Advocacy (CMA), formerly the Center for Seafarers’ Rights (CSR), is recognized worldwide as a leading advocate for merchant mariners. The Center provides free legal assistance to seafarers and chaplains.
Arrested and detained vessels, and abandoned seafarers – publication
Repatriation information from ISWAN and SRI
Seafarers Rights International Fact files – on using lawyers, abandonment, maritime liens and ship arrest
Unpaid wages advice from the ITF
Unpaid wages advice from ISWAN
Abandonment, Bullying & Harassment, Contactual Issues
If you face any of these issues and have not successfully dealt with them through your employer, SeafarerHelp is a good place to start to find help and further information, and local assistance. ITF and missions can also be contacted directly for information and support if you have their contact details.
Seafarers Health & Wellbeing
Seafarers’ Health information Programme – twelve topics covered including mental health, dental, fitness, healthy eating, and managing diet.
Relaxation at Sea – an audio relaxation exercise and controlled breathing exercise
Feeling low? Access to information about sleeping well at sea, stress and mental health
Refugee Rescue Crisis – papers from the ICS to assist seafarers dealing with refugee rescue
Employment
Maritime jobs – many different sites exist where jobs in maritime are advertised. This list from Marine Insight in November 2019 lists 36 of them.
The Seafarers’ Charter (Detailed Requirements), which was put in place last year by Department for Transport, is a voluntary agreement that shipowners can sign up to.
Seeking employment – access to approved manning agencies lists for Bangladesh, India, Philippines and Ukraine
The International Chamber of Shipping provides a list of National Careers Contacts in 32 different countries via their member shipowners organisations
Financial Assistance
ISWAN Relief Funds – small grants funds for seafarers and their families in need