Resources for seafarers - Ukraine crisis

Seafarers affected or concerned by what is happening in Ukraine can find support and information via the services and links listed below.

SeafarerHelp: www.seafarerhelp.org
ISWAN's free, confidential, multilingual helpline for seafarers and their families, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our experienced helpline team can offer a listening ear to anyone who is worried and needs support or someone to talk to.

Yacht Crew Help: www.yachtcrewhelp.org
ISWAN's free, confidential, multilingual helpline offering emotional support and a listening ear to professional yacht crew, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Chat with a Chaplain: icma.as/chat-with-a-chaplain
An online messenger service by the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA), providing 24-hour holistic and spiritual support both for seafarers and their families wishing to speak to a port chaplain.

Dedicated helpline for Ukrainian seafarers, dockers and their families: Call +48 789869377
The Polish Coordinating Committee of Maritime ITF Affiliates on FOC and POC campaigns, including all Polish Maritime Trade Unions, has created phone number dedicated especially for Ukrainian seafarers, dockers and their families. The representatives of Polish Maritime Trade Unions work 24 hours per day and 7 days per week.

Other support helplines for seafarers and their families of any nationality: ics-shipping.org
The organisations listed on this poster by the International Chamber of Shipping provide different useful services, including emotional support, and most are available 24 hours a day. International and regional helplines are available for seafarers wishing to talk to someone wherever they are in the world.

Peer-to-Peer Support Group:
Sailors' Society has created three bespoke Peer-to-Peer Support Groups for seafarers affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Two groups allow Ukrainian and Russian seafarers to speak to other crew from their own country in their own language, while a third group will be made up of seafarers from other nationalities.
Find out more: sailors-society.org/news/bespoke-peer-to-peer-support-groups-for-seafarers-affected-by-the-conflict-in-ukraine
Join via the welcoming portal: chat.whatsapp.com/Ims2jwNK2LXLPA8Q9XCVIS

ISWAN for Seafarers app: Download via Google Play or the App Store
Seafarers can download the ISWAN for Seafarers app for access to support from ISWAN's 24-hour helplines SeafarerHelp and Yacht Crew Help at the touch of a button. The app also offers offline access to all of ISWAN's mental and physical health resources, including self-help mental wellbeing guides.

Information for people fleeing the war in Ukraine (European Commission): ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/stronger-europe-world/eu-solidarity-ukraine/eu-assistance-ukraine/information-people-fleeing-war-ukraine_en
Key information about individuals' rights with regard to crossing the border into an EU country, eligibility for temporary protection and applying for international protection, as well as the rights of travel inside the European Union.

IBF Recommendations on the management of the repatriation of seafarers affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine: imec.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Ukraine-Repatriation-Final.pdf

8/3/22: PYA Advice for Crew on Russian-Linked Vessels: pya.org/News/PYA-Advice-for-Crew-on-Russian-Linked-Vessels.aspx
Guidance from the Professional Yachting Association (PYA).

2/3/22: ‘Warlike Operations Areas’ designated in seas around Ukraine: itfglobal.org/en/news/warlike-operations-areas-designated-in-seas-around-ukraine-0
The Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) have designated areas in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov as ‘Warlike Operations Areas’, triggering an increased security level and other entitlements for seafarers in the war zone. Find more information about ITF Warlike and high risk areas here: itfseafarers.org/en/your-rights/itf-warlike-and-high-risk-areas.

Resources from the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA): icma.as/prayer-for-peace
News and resources for seafarers from ICMA members and partners.

Advice and updates from The Shipowners' Club: shipownersclub.com/ukraine-and-russia-conflict
An information hub dedicated to updates from the International Group of P&I Clubs and The Shipowners' Club on the implementation of US, EU and UK sanctions, as well as practical guidance relating to crewing and any claims or legal disputes affected by or arising from the conflict.

Wilhelmsen Ukraine-Russia Port Situation Map: wilhelmsen.com/ships-agency/campaigns/ukraine-russia/ukraine-russia-port-situation-map
A map of the latest port restrictions and updates as ports impose new restrictions and regulations on vessels and port calls (map updated up to two times per day).

IMO Maritime Knowledge Centre - Seafarers' Welfare: imo.libguides.com/c.php?g=669712&p=4754196
Information resources for and about seafarers from the International Maritime Organization.