KVH supports seafarer wellbeing with free VoIP calls to ISWAN hotline
Written by Nick Blenkey
Image: KVH
Seafarers on any vessel with KVH VSAT service can now place free VoIP calls to the ISWAN SeafarerHelp hotline while at sea.
The confidential 24-hour hotline is an initiative by ISWAN (the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network) to support the mental wellbeing ofseafarers around the world. It is confidential, multilingual, and available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
“We are thrilled that KVH is supporting this initiative so that seafarers can get the help they need when they need it,” says Roger Harris, executive director of ISWAN. “In our experience, we have seen that seafarer issues range from the simple to the complex and the most pressing need is having someone empathetic to confide in, which can be challenging in the onboard environment. This hotline is dedicated to ensuring seafarers speak to someone in time, and with KVH’s involvement they can do so without having to worry about technical issues or data costs.”
Recently, the maritime industry has begun to raise awareness of the importance of seafarers’ mental wellbeing and to support initiatives to encourage discussion.
Experts note that the same everyday stresses and emotions that a seafarer experiences on land are present at sea but may be exacerbated by the challenge of being on a ship 24/7 for extended stays. Talking to someone about their issues is an important first step seafarers can take.
Middletown, R.I., headquartered KVH says that free VoIP calls to SeafarerHelp are available immediately from KVH VSAT vessels; seafarers simply use a VoIP phone on the vessel and call the helpline: +44 (0)20 7323 2737.
