A progressive web app that turns "where do I even start" into a live, personal guide to every port — no install, no account wall, and it keeps working even with no signal at all.
MWApp is IMWIRSA's flagship product: a progressive web app (PWA) — meaning it runs straight in the browser, with no app-store install and no account to create. Open it, choose a language and an assistant, and it already knows which port you're in.
Transport, seafarers' centre, medical, safety — built from open and partner sources, then locally verified and kept up to date.
Every port card is maintained by an MWApp Port Coordinator who actually lives there.
When it's needed, the assistant can connect a seafarer with IMWIRSA's central support team.
Because right now, finding real help in an unfamiliar port depends on luck — who you ask, whether they speak your language, whether the info is even current.
Turnaround times are falling. A seafarer with two hours ashore can't afford to search.
The same app, the same logic, wherever the ship calls next — not a different flyer each time.
English, Russian, Turkish and Filipino at MVP launch, chosen from real crew demographics.
Runs on weak port wifi, and once a port card has been opened, it stays fully readable with no signal at all — no app-store account needed.
Every port card has a named, contactable coordinator — not an anonymous database.
Designed around IMWIRSA's own research into what seafarers actually need on arrival.
Every pilot port gets a living "card": structured, always-current information across seven categories, maintained by the local MWApp Port Coordinator.
Opening hours, services, contact and directions to the local centre or mission.
Leaving the port, shuttles, taxis and public transport into the city.
SIM cards, currency exchange, groceries, pharmacies — and what's actually open at 2 AM.
What's within walking distance of the gate — and, for longer shore leave, where to go in the city centre.
Missions, chaplains and places for prayer — for any faith, or none.
Local emergency numbers, port administration and union contacts, verified by the coordinator.
Available through participating union Premium programmes — including the Wellness Recovery Zone.
On first launch, a seafarer chooses the assistant who feels right for them. That choice — and only that choice — shapes their entire MWApp experience.
A young, neutral, approachable presence for a broad international crew.
An older, steady voice for seafarers who want a familiar, respectful tone.
A young, warm female voice — the default guide for many first-time users.
A warm, familiar presence for the largest single nationality in the global seafarer workforce.
The AI assistant helps a seafarer find their way around MWApp's information and services, and remembers their name (with consent) for a personal welcome on return visits. If a situation calls for a real person, the assistant can connect them to IMWIRSA's central support team. Reaching a local seafarers' centre, union, Spiritual Care contact, Wellness Host or other local service is something the seafarer chooses and starts themselves, through the relevant section of MWApp. Changing assistant or language is always available in Settings.
Conversations with the AI assistant and any contact with IMWIRSA Human Support are never shared with your employer or shipping company — not the content, and not the fact that you reached out. Use of Wellness services is handled the same way. The simple rule: your organisation never receives a history of your personal interactions or service use. You're also always in control of your own data — your name is stored only on your device, and you can delete it at any time in Settings.
Every port card is kept current by a real local coordinator — the MWApp Port Coordinator. Registering a new port today happens through a structured questionnaire; keeping it updated afterwards runs through the IMWIRSA MWApp Bot, a working channel between the Port Coordinator and the IMWIRSA Central Office, with each change reviewed before it goes live.
A structured questionnaire walks the coordinator through 10 sections covering their details, the port and its services. Submitted once to register a new port card.
Once a port is live, small corrections and additions (opening hours, transport, a photo, an urgent notice) are sent through the bot to the IMWIRSA Central Office, checked by the team, and then used to update the Port Card — so the coordinator doesn't need to resubmit the full questionnaire for every change.
Planned: how many seafarers viewed the port card and used each service — no separate reporting tool to learn.
MWApp launches as an MVP focused on getting the fundamentals right. Here's what's planned as the network grows.
New ports and terminals are added gradually, as a reliable system of local information verification is established for each.
Growing the Wellness Zones network, gradually widening the range of services available at each one, and raising service quality.
Expanding the Premium partner programme and the network of discounts and privileges with retailers and other local partners across MWApp's ports.
MWApp Premium access may be provided through participating union programmes. Eligibility and access conditions are determined by the respective union.
Additional languages may be added as the user base in a given language group grows, and in response to requests from participating unions.
MWApp's development is shaped in part through participating unions, who receive aggregated usage data and user suggestions for improving the app.