The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) is a membership organisation which works to promote and support the welfare of seafarers all over the world.

They experience long periods away from family and friends with limited or no communication, fast turnaround of ships in ports with severely restricted shore leave, reduced crew numbers and increased workloads. Welfare services and facilities both on board and ashore can be a lifeline for seafarers.

Their free, 24-hour, multilingual helpline, SeafarerHelp, is one of the direct welfare services they provide to seafarers. Others include their relief funds for seafarers and their family members in need and a range of health information resources.

ISWAN works with companies, unions, governments, welfare organisations and ports for the implementation of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. They support those who establish and provide welfare facilities and services in port and on ships.

They are funded by membership subscriptions, grants from foundations, sponsorship and earned income. They are grateful to their main funders – the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, The TK Foundation, The Seafarers' Charity and Trafigura Foundation – for their continued support.