The International Port Welfare Partnership (IPWP) programme is an ISWAN project managed by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB). It aims to encourage and support the establishment of welfare boards worldwide. Here is an update on the programme for 2020:

As you are no doubt aware, the pandemic has unfortunately placed additional hardships on seafarers and their families, so this kind of crisis illustrates the need for collaborative working and co-ordinated planning, especially during rare port visits.

In July, our Project Manager Sharon Coveney attended several remote meetings and provided support to the Vancouver maritime community to help facilitate the establishment of a welfare committee.

So, the IPWP team were delighted to learn that the Canada’s Seafarers’ Welfare Board has also been formed to act as a forum for co-ordinating seafarer welfare in Canada. It will also promote maritime works, access to recreational, cultural and medical services, as well as shore-based welfare facilities.

Congratulations to IPWP Excom member Jason Zuidema (ICMA) for the key role he played in the establishment of Canada’s Seafarers’ Welfare Board.

For more information about the new national Board and what this will mean for seafarers in the area please click here.