Cameron Mitchell – Director, Isle of Man Ship Registry
The Isle of Man Ship Registry (IOMSR) is stepping up its commitment to seafarer welfare by becoming a member of seafarer welfare charity the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN).
A registered charity, ISWAN exists to improve the lives of seafarers and their families by providing services including welfare resources, relief funds, helplines and self-help guides. In 2022, it assisted more than 13,600 seafarers and their families of 94 nationalities and administered more than $450,000 in relief funds.
The IOMSR has pioneered seafarer welfare, highlighting the unique mental health challenges within the industry.
In 2021, it launched the welfare app ‘Crew Matters’ which went live to 8,000 crew members. The first such app to be launched by a flag state, it is available to those on more than 300 vessels under the Isle of Man flag, providing structured support for all. It features a live SOS function connecting to ISWAN’s specially trained team of counsellors and psychologists 24-hours-a-day seven-days-a-week.
IOMSR director Cameron Mitchell said the collaboration will further protect the interests of seafarers.
“The Isle of Man Ship Registry is delighted to have been accepted by the Board and Trustees of the International Seafarers’ Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN) as a member,” he said.
“The Ship Registry and I look forward to collaborating with ISWAN to protect and secure a just future for shipping’s most important asset, our seafarers.”
ISWAN added:
“We are delighted to further our partnership with the Isle of Man Ship Registry, one of the world’s leading registers of ships and superyachts, by welcoming them to ISWAN’s growing network of members.”