ISWAN’s Annual Review report for 2022-23 highlights the ongoing challenges faced by seafarers, despite some easing of exceptional stresses experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report covers the charity’s activities, revealing that ISWAN assisted 8,602 seafarers and family members of 98 nationalities in 2022-23, with a 6% increase in new cases on the previous year. Financial difficulties, discrimination and harassment, and stress and anxiety were among the key issues reported by seafarers to ISWAN’s helplines during this period.
One of the main concerns raised to ISWAN’s SeafarerHelp helpline in 2022-23 was financial difficulties, with contacts relating to financial issues more than doubling compared to the previous year. Additionally, the report indicates that women seafarers are disproportionately affected by issues such as abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination, and violence. Psychological health problems, including stress and anxiety, were also prominent issues raised by seafarers to SeafarerHelp in 2022-23.
The report also highlights the challenges faced by yacht crew, with a higher proportion of contacts relating to abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination, and violence on ISWAN’s Yacht Crew Help helpline. Psychological health problems and contractual issues were also prominent concerns for yacht crew. ISWAN’s Chief Executive Officer, Simon Grainge, emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships within the industry and collaborating with colleagues in the maritime welfare sector to ensure that seafarers receive the services they need.
More Stories
Baltimore ship crew trapped for seven weeks following bridge collapse
India Urges Iran to Release 40 Indian Seafarers Detained on Seized Ships
IMO’s MSC Addressing Maritime Safety Challenges