Support and helplines
If you are feeling unsafe, distressed, or simply need someone to talk to, the organisations listed below offer confidential support. They are independent charities and welfare services with experience supporting seafarers.
Unspoken is not a reporting or emergency service, and we are not able to respond to individual situations. However, we want to ensure you know where to seek help if needed.
Experiences of unwanted sexual behaviour can affect people in different ways. You do not need to be in crisis to reach out. You are entitled to speak to someone who will listen and treat you with care and respect.
Safer Waves
Safer Waves is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting merchant seafarers affected by sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and related harms at sea. It exists to ensure that those working in the maritime sector have access to specialised, trauma-informed support and practical resources when they need them most.
Its services include:
Confidential email support – A survivor-centred, non-judgemental service delivered by trained volunteers.
Emotional guidance and signposting – Connecting seafarers to specialist services, legal advice, and further support where appropriate.
Training and awareness programmes – Delivered across all levels of the maritime industry to prevent, recognise, and respond to harmful behaviour.
In-house support linked to our training – Dedicated support available to anyone affected by courses or resources.
Collaboration with industry and welfare organisations – Working to strengthen safeguarding, reporting pathways, and prevention strategies at sea.
Seafarers can contact Safer Waves in confidence at support@saferwaves.org.
ISWAN - SeafarerHelp
ISWAN operates SeafarerHelp, a free, confidential, multilingual helpline available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for seafarers and their families. It can be contacted via live chat, email, phone, WhatsApp, or by requesting a callback. SeafarerHelp offers emotional and well-being support, practical guidance, resources for common seafaring challenges, and referrals to additional services if needed. Conversations are confidential, and you can choose how much personal information you share.
Sailors' Society
Sailors’ Society is a global maritime charity offering 24/7 practical, emotional, crisis, and trauma support to seafarers and their families.
A global 24/7 helpline and a female helpline
A Crisis Response Network, providing around-the-clock assistance and counselling following critical incidents at sea (such as abuse, accidents, detentions, and emergencies)
Peer-to-peer support groups offering a confidential community of support at sea. With groups for all seafarers and those just for female crew, cadets, captains, LGBTQ+ seafarers, and families
Emergency and trauma therapy grants (read more here)
Wellness at sea training and a free MyWellness app
The charity’s trained team of global chaplains and responders can support you and your family whenever you need help, wherever you are, and that support will last as long as it is needed. Much of this support is also available in your own language.
Mission to Seafarers
The Mission to Seafarers operates in over 200 ports in 50-plus countries, offering practical, emotional, and spiritual support to seafarers of all ranks and nationalities. Through a global network of chaplains, staff, and volunteers, it provides:
Ship visits and in-person pastoral support
Flying Angel centres—safe spaces to rest, use communications, or seek care while ashore
Help navigating welfare concerns, isolation, mental well-being, and emergency situations
Transport and other practical assistance to connect seafarers with local services and family
Support is available every day of the year at its centres, and chaplains can be contacted for help even in emergencies.