Our Regional Programme provides humanitarian support to seafarers and their families in three specific regions: South East Asia, South Asia and Nigeria. It is funded by the Trafigura Foundation.
Seafarers taken hostage have a major worry about what becomes of their families while they face months or years of captivity. Our Regional Programme was developed in response to the needs of seafarers facing the crisis of being taken hostage by pirates and the families left behind. We provided emotional and practical support, training in crisis response, and guidelines for the treatment of seafarers and their families.
To be situated in the areas of greatest need, the programme developed a presence in the Philippines (home to more seafarers than anywhere else in the world), India/South Asia and Nigeria. Our trained responders operate with a network of volunteers and through other seafarers’ welfare agencies to reach scattered families with assistance. As Somali piracy reduced in size and scope, our Regional Programme moved towards the wider effects of crises – deaths, injuries, illness, imprisonment – among seafarers and their families, where we are able to bring practical and emotional support in times of need.
You can read about some of the seafarers and families of seafarers helped by our Regional Representatives in the Regional Stories below.
A free, 24-hour, multilingual helpline for seafarers and their families
We offer support to seafarers and their families affected by maritime piracy
Spotting the signs and responding to concerns
A guide for shipping companies and ship operators to develop and implement mental health policies
Helping shipping and ship management companies to improve social interaction on board
We launched the results of our survey of superyacht crew in London on 3rd December 2018
24-hour support for professional yacht crew worldwide
Recognising excellence in seafarers’ welfare provision across the shipping industry
Working together to protect and promote the mental wellbeing of seafarers
Discouraging Indian seafarers from signing up with unregistered crewing agencies
We provide shipping companies and seafarers with information on staying healthy on board
A free training package suitable for both individual viewing by all crew and training sessions onboard and ashore
A project aiming to encourage and support the establishment of welfare boards worldwide
Providing seafarers with the right tools and information to keep hydrated on board
A joint initiative looking at the health of women seafarers and where it can be improved
Sharing photography by seafarers all over the world