ISWAN Launches Monthly Seafarers’ Circle for Filipino Crew in Manila
The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) Philippines, together with the manning company Intership Crew Philippines, launched a new support programme called Seafarers’ Circle on 11 November in Parañaque City, part of Metro Manila in the Philippines. The launch took place at the company’s crew lounge.
Seafarers’ Circle will meet every month. It gives Filipino seafarers a regular place to talk about mental health concerns, get welfare support, share their experiences and join training and skill-building sessions. The aim is to help seafarers connect with fellow mariners and find guidance on problems they face at sea and at home.
From the CrewMirror Blog
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has welcomed the initiative. Its officer-in-charge administrator, retired Rear Admiral Loumer Bernabe, said the circle helps ensure that “no seafarer navigates the challenges of life at sea in isolation”, and called seafarer well-being a shared duty of government and industry. The launch included a keynote address by Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, a presentation by ISWAN Philippines country manager Marville Cullen Espago and a group pledge by participants.
The programme adds to recent welfare steps for Filipino crews, including a welfare agreement signed by the ITF, AMOSUP and the Philippine government. Shore-based support of this kind complements the services offered at seafarer welfare centres in ports.
CrewMirror Takeaway
Regular peer meetings ashore can help seafarers speak openly about stress and loneliness before problems grow. Seafarers in other countries, including India, can also reach ISWAN’s free SeafarerHelp line at any time.
