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Women Seafarers' Health And Welfare Survey
Our work
Women Seafarers' Health and Welfare Survey
Back in 2015, it was estimated that 1-2% of the world's 1.25m seafarers were women, serving on some 87,000 ships, mostly in the cruise sector. Research suggested that there were areas where women seafarers' specific needs were often overlooked, health in particular.
After recognising this possible gap in available health information and provisions, representatives from ISWAN, the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA), the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS) conducted a survey to find out how women currently working at sea view their health needs.
The responses received highlight a small number of areas where relatively simple and low-cost interventions might improve the health and welfare of women seafarers as well as some complex issues which will need further investigation.
The results were presented at a seminar at the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) in September 2015. The findings have also been presented at various conferences, including the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) AGM 2015 and the Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) AGM 2016, published in the International Maritime Health Journal and referenced in the UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2017. Another outcome of the research was that all seafarer centres were contacted about stocking sanitary products.
Project resources
Other projects
SeafarerHelp
A free, 24-hour, multilingual helpline for seafarers and their families worldwide
Yacht Crew Help
A free, 24-hour, multilingual helpline for professional yacht crew worldwide
ISWAN for Seafarers app
A free mobile app for seafarers which can be used offline to access help, information and support around the clock
International activities
Providing humanitarian support to seafarers and their families in South and South East Asia
Social Interaction Matters (SIM)
Helping shipping and ship management companies to improve social interaction on board
Mental Health Awareness Training for the Maritime Industry
Spotting the signs and responding to concerns
Piracy
We offer support to seafarers and their families affected by maritime piracy
Superyacht Crew Welfare
We launched the results of our survey of superyacht crew in London on 3rd December 2018
SeaCode
Anonymous story-sharing for seafarers facing problems at work
Mentally Healthy Ships
A guide for shipping companies and ship operators to develop and implement mental health policies
International Seafarers' Welfare Awards
Recognising excellence in seafarers’ welfare provision across the shipping industry
Indian Seafarers Campaign
Discouraging Indian seafarers from signing up with unregistered crewing agencies
Seafarers' Health Information Programme (SHIP)
We provide shipping companies and seafarers with information on staying healthy on board
Seafarers' Mental Health and Wellbeing
A free training package suitable for both individual viewing by all crew and training sessions onboard and ashore
International Port Welfare Partnership (IPWP) Programme
A project aiming to encourage and support the establishment of welfare boards worldwide
Quench Hydration Campaign
Providing seafarers with the right tools and information to keep hydrated on board
ISWAN Photo Competition
Sharing photography by seafarers all over the world
