Two Major Seafarers’ Welfare Organization Merge

The International Committee on Seafarers' Welfare (ICSW) and the International Seafarers' Assistance Network (ISAN) recently agreed to merge and now will be called International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN).

The merger is set to start this year and will utilize the expertise of both organizations to voice out the needs of seafarers.

The merger will incorporate the 24-hour helpline for seafarers as well as the ICSW projects such as International Seafarers Welfare Awards, promotion of the MLC, health information for seafarers, and training for ship welfare visitors.

'The new merged organization will be able to be more effective and efficient and will have more of an impact on seafarers' welfare worldwide. We will be seeking new members particularly from shipping companies and ports. Only by partnership working with ship owners, ports, unions, welfare organizations, and governments will we be able to make a difference,' said Roger Harris, Executive Director of the ICSW.

The International Shipping Federation, the International Transport Workers' Federation, and the International Christian Maritime Association see the merger as beneficial union for seafarers and ship owners.