ISWAN: Seafarers isolated but not alone

On the occasion of the Day of the Seafarer, ISWAN highlighted the indisputable importance of the seafarers for the world, noting that without them, “half of the world would starve while the other half would freeze.” The International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network also stressed the fact that, despite their importance, seafarers in 2017 are still being abandoned, mistreated, kidnapped and held hostage by pirates, bullied and treated as commodities.

ISWAN also informed that its helpline, SeafarerHelp, has dealt with over 1,500 cases involving 6,000 seafarers, within 2017. 

“While the number of extreme cases is relatively small, many seafarers are denied shore leave or find it difficult to get off the ship to access welfare services and facilities. If seafarers really matter, then it should be made easier for them to leave the ship and visit nearby amenities,” ISWAN underlined.

Except for being mistreated sometimes, seafarers often deal with the pressures of fatigue and isolation, which can bring them depression and even suicide. As the industry has an increasing concern on this matter, many shipowners, unions and welfare organizations are beginning to tackle this problem, but more needs to be done including erasing the stigma of mental illness and recognizing that mental well-being matters just as much as physical wellness.

For instance, the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 is leading to improvements to seafarers’ lives, but many countries and ports need to do more to ensure seafarers are welcomed and valued rather than just being tolerated when they dock. Furthermore, welfare organisations running centres and ship visiting schemes in over 430 ports globally work to ensure that seafarers do matter and experience a warm welcome, but find it difficult to find resources to keep going. They need much more support.

Regarding the increase of piracy incidents off Somalia, ISWAN noted: “If seafarers matter, then shipping companies need to ensure that they abide by BMP4 and keep their ships away from the Somali coast as well as employing armed guard to protect the crew. Governments must not become complacent and scale down their navies’ anti-piracy patrols…Support still needs to be given to piracy survivors and their families.”