New Ukraine crisis fund offers urgent financial support to seafarers and their families

Financial support is now available to seafarers and their families directly impacted by the Ukraine crisis through a new fund, managed by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) on behalf of the Seafarers International Relief Fund (SIRF).

The Ukraine Crisis Support Fund can provide one-time financial grants of up to $500 (c. €449) to seafarers and their families to help with expenses including medical costs, rent, living costs, or educational support for children.

The new fund can also provide compensation of up to $1,000 (c. €898) to next of kin if a seafarer has died as a direct consequence of the Ukraine crisis. The fund is open to seafarers of any nationality directly impacted by the Ukraine crisis.

Seafarer-centred organisations must apply to the fund on behalf of seafarers and their families - individual seafarers or family members cannot apply directly. Seafarer-centred organisations include, but are not limited to, maritime welfare charities, maritime unions, port welfare committees, ship management companies or manning agents.

ISWAN is seeking the support of such organisations to make applications and ensure that the available funds reach those in need. ISWAN is also advising seafarers and their families seeking financial support to contact a seafarer-centred organisation in their reach. Further support for seafarers and their families is available via ISWAN's free, 24-hour helpline SeafarerHelp.

ISWAN’s Ukraine Crisis Support Fund was established through a donation from the Seafarers International Relief Fund (SIRF), which is managed by The Seafarers’ Charity. Urgent support is needed from the maritime industry to help those affected by the crisis.

For more information, visit International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN).

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