International Maritime Welfare Initiative

Improving Seafarers'
Wellbeing Through
Research, Technology
and Global Cooperation

IMWIRSA is an independent international initiative dedicated to advancing evidence-based seafarer welfare through research, digital innovation and international cooperation.

Discover MWApp Our Mission →
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Seafarers keep the world moving.
It's time the world takes care of them.

Why a new approach is needed

Seafarers' welfare has relied on the same model for decades: independent port clubs, each working alone, invisible to the seafarer until they happen to find the door. The numbers show why that is no longer enough.

1.9M+
seafarers move over 80% of global trade
(IMO, 2025)
37.2%
of seafarers show poor mental well-being (WHO-5 scale)
(WMU, 2025)
86.2%
have no weekly day off on board
(WMU, 2025)
76.9%
never or rarely go ashore
(WMU, 2025)
47%
of those who go ashore spend less than 3 hours there
(ITF Seafarers' Trust & WMU, 2025)
The Old Model

Isolated port clubs

  • Every seafarers' centre works alone, with its own systems
  • A seafarer has no way to know what's available before arriving in port
  • Information is outdated, paper-based or word-of-mouth
  • No shared data — no way to measure impact or improve
The IMWIRSA Model

One connected ecosystem

  • A single digital layer connects every port, centre and volunteer
  • Live, curated information — updated by a real local coordinator
  • One app, one experience, in the seafarer's own language
  • Evidence-based, measurable, continuously improved

MWApp — your Maritime Welfare Assistant

A progressive web app, no install needed. One tap gives a seafarer everything they need to know about the port they've just arrived in.

9:41●●●● 87%
MWApp screen for Muuga Harbour, Tallinn: the At the Gate section — phone, shops and money near the port exit

Port Card

Verified information on each port: what's at the gate, transport, seafarers' centre, pharmacy, emergency numbers — checked and updated by a local MWApp Port Coordinator.

Help in Trouble

Port emergency numbers, step-by-step guidance and the assistant's help work without internet. The assistant tells you where to turn — including SeafarerHelp (ISWAN), free and 24/7.

Verified Local Support

MWApp helps you find up-to-date contacts for seafarers' centres, missions, unions and other welfare services available in that specific port.

Wellness Recovery Zone

Coming soon. Places to rest and recover ashore will be added to the app later.

Explore MWApp → MVP launching late 2026 – early 2027

How it works

From stepping off the gangway to finding real help — in four steps.

01

Open it while still on board

While the ship still has Wi-Fi, open MWApp in your browser. It remembers your language and saves the port cards — ashore you won’t need a connection.

02

Choose who to talk to

Alex or Grace. Ask in your own words — “where can I change money”, “how do I get to the seafarers’ centre” — and get an answer for your terminal.

03

Go ashore with confidence

The way out of the port, transport, the seafarers’ centre, the pharmacy — all checked by a person who lives nearby. The date of the check is on every screen.

04

If something goes wrong

The port’s emergency numbers and what to do are at hand, even without internet. And if something in the port has changed, tell us right from the app.

Wellness Recovery Zones

A concept for local recovery zones alongside existing welfare infrastructure, where — as partners come on board — seafarers will be able to access practical recovery, rest and support services between voyages.

Local specialists

Partner specialists and services may include massage, recovery treatments, psychological support and other locally available services.

Discreet & judgement-free

Private: neither the shipping company nor the manning agent is told about the visit.

Union card priority

Going forward, partner programmes may offer additional terms, discounts or priority access for members of union and welfare programmes.

Learn how zones are set up →

Why it matters

Long contracts and isolation take a measurable toll on mental health. A short, human moment of care — physical or psychological — can contribute to better mood, focus and safety on the next watch.

Quiet relaxation room with loungers and green towels
Illustration — a recovery zone of the kind we plan with partners

Our Port Network

Phase 1, 2026–2028. Five pilot ports form the first ring of the IMWIRSA network — chosen for traffic volume, seafarer footfall and strong local welfare partners.

Tallinn
Estonia
Live
Istanbul
Türkiye
Live
Hamburg
Germany
Live
Poti
Georgia
Live
Constanța
Romania
Live
See the full Pilot Network →

Research supports innovation

IMWIRSA's solutions are developed on a foundation of scientific research, industry data, practical experience and seafarer feedback.

International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The UN specialized agency setting global shipping safety standards.
Read more →
The human element in maritime safety
Wellbeing, fatigue and performance in shipping operations.
Read more →
Seafarers and decent work in shipping
Global standards for seafarers' working conditions under MLC 2006.
Read more →
Go to the Library →

Ready to join our network?

Whether you are a seafarers' centre, a mission, a union, a port authority or a shipping company — we want to hear from you. First meeting is online, 30 minutes.

Or write directly: info@imwirsa.org