Seafarers Welfare Fund launches survey on maritime response to Ukraine conflict

The Seafarers International Relief Fund has called for feedback on what more needs to be done to support seafarers impacted by the Ukraine crisis.

In an effort to review the effectiveness of the response so far and to plan for the future, the Seafarers International Relief Fund (SIRF), together with the Ukraine Charity Co-ordination Group, have launched a survey. It is calling on individuals and organisations in the maritime and welfare sectors to share their experiences on the support given so far to those affected by the Ukraine crisis and the ongoing needs of seafarers.

SIRF launched the SIRF Ukraine appeal in March 2022 and has so far raised over $400,000 to support seafarers and their families impacted by the humanitarian disaster caused by the crisis in Ukraine.

SIRF continues to call for urgent donations to support its work. Thanks to the generous support already received, SIRF has delivered aid in the form of the most essential human needs, including shelter, food, water, transport, and access to medical services, but more is needed. SIRF’s support has been delivered by a wide range of maritime charities, trade unions and other non-profit organisations working in the region.

However, it now seems likely that the conflict will continue for some time, and the process of rebuilding lives, homes and communities will take even longer. For that reason, SIRF and the Ukraine Charity Co-ordination Group is conducting a survey to understand what is needed, where the gaps are, and how it can best respond. The results of the survey will help the seafarer welfare community to develop its longer-term strategy for supporting seafarers affected by the conflict.

Speaking on behalf of SIRF, Deborah Layde, Chief Executive of The Seafarers’ Charity, commented:

“The funds already raised by SIRF to support seafarers impacted by the Ukraine crisis are providing immediate, practical support to those in need and we are so grateful for the generosity of all those that have donated. But there is so much more that can be done, so we ask the industry to continue to dig deep and donate. The situation remains desperate, and seafarers and their families urgently need your support.

“However, we also need to plan for the months ahead. To do this, we need to hear from those who have been involved in helping seafarers so far. What more needs to be done to support the needs of seafarers impacted by the Ukraine crisis? Can we identify the top three priorities where we can target our resources and help? Many shipping companies, welfare providers and unions have done wonderful work to directly help affected seafarers, colleagues and families caught up in the conflict. We need a better picture of what is needed so we can prepare now for tomorrow’s needs. That is why we are calling on everyone to share their feedback by completing our survey.”

The survey is open to everyone supporting seafarers and takes just a few minutes to complete. To complete the survey, please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sirfukraine

SIRF is calling for more donations to the SIRF Ukraine appeal. To donate, please visit https://theseafarerscharity.enthuse.com/profile.

Photograph courtesy of NAMMA. Credit Rev. David Rider.