The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) received the Welfare and Social Responsibility Award at the closing event of the CrewConnect Global conference in the Philippines.

The award recognises a leading corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy or initiative delivered in the past year, with a measurable impact on crews or wider communities.

ISWAN’s win recognises the important role its free, 24-hour helpline SeafarerHelp played in supporting seafarers during the incredibly difficult challenges they have faced in recent times. Throughout the pandemic, ISWAN’s trained, multilingual helpline team fielded questions about crew change, shore leave, and mental health concerns. SeafarerHelp was also especially important during the Ukraine war in referring Ukrainian seafarers to crisis help funding, which was also administered by ISWAN.

The award was accepted at the CrewConnect Global Industry Awards in Manila by ISWAN Trustee Mike Esplago (pictured below).

ISWAN’s Chief Executive Simon Grainge said: ‘Receiving this prestigious award is a rewarding end to a big year for ISWAN. We are honoured to be chosen from such a strong group of finalists, who have all made a positive difference to the lives of seafarers and the wider maritime community over the last year.’

The other 2022 Crew Connect Global Industry Awards winners were:

Industry Solutions Award: Ocean Technologies Group

Innovation and Adoption of Tech Award sponsored by Seably: Wärtsilä Voyage

Safety at Sea Award: Marlow Navigation

Seafarer of the Year Award: Mr. Van M. Alfred Villanueva

Lifetime Achievement Award: Rear Admiral Adonis B. Donato