Female seafarers helpline launches

International maritime charity Sailors’ Society has set up a dedicated helpline for female seafarers.

Launching on International Women’s Day (March 8) the 24/7 helpline will allow female cadets and seafarers to speak in confidence to a female member Sailors’ Society team.

The service is intended to provide emotional support, crisis assistance, and peer-to-peer connections.

An IMO and Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) study shows that women seafarers make up about 2% of the crewing workforce and are predominately found in the cruise sector.

“This is a big step forward in our care and support for female cadets and seafarers – a much-needed service in an industry where female seafarers are a striking minority,” said Sailors’ Society’s CEO, Sara Baade.

“Being a seafarer is challenging. But there are unique challenges to being a female seafarer and we know some women may feel more comfortable speaking to another woman. This helpline, along with our female peer-to-peer support groups, allows them to lean on other women who understand what they are going through,” Baade added.

The helpline is being funded by marine insurance provider, Skuld.

“Our industry must work together to increase gender equality and attract a diverse workforce to ensure it stays competitive in an uncertain world where female seafarers remain a significant minority. Together, we can create a safer environment for all women at sea,” stated Ståle Hansen, president and CEO, of Skuld.