In an era of mounting pressures on global shipping, the wellbeing of the world's 1.9 million seafarers can no longer be a secondary consideration. As demands on maritime labour intensify amid geopolitical, technological, and regulatory shifts, the need for coordinated, practical, and human-centred welfare delivery has never been greater.

Register here
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Expected Outcomes:

  • Increased awareness and understanding of the challenges facing seafarers in terms of justice and welfare.

  • Enhanced collaboration and partnership among stakeholders to prioritize seafarers' well-being as a fundamental aspect of maritime sustainability.

  • Commitments to action and advocacy initiatives aimed at driving positive change for seafarers at local, regional, and global levels.

Speakers – Program under development

This forum will explore key welfare themes including:

·      Implementing the 2026 Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) amendments across diverse flag states and port contexts

·      Ensuring uninterrupted access to shore leave, medical care, and safe rest spaces

·      Responding to seafarer abandonment, contract abuse, and visa restrictions

·      Enhancing digital connectivity and mental health access at sea

·      Delivering trauma-informed, culturally sensitive welfare services through chaplaincy, port networks, and support teams

·      Addressing DEI gaps, particularly for women and minority seafarers

·      Strengthening collaboration between shipowners, unions, port authorities, and NGOs to meet and exceed welfare obligations in our region

 

 Day One - focus on the policy and regulatory landscape-including sessions from ILO/IMO observers, maritime insurers, union advocates, and port authorities and the effects on seafarer mobility

 Day Two - showcase frontline innovation, with workshops on best-practice port welfare delivery, shipboard wellbeing initiatives, and seafarer storytelling.

Through keynote panels, technical sessions, and case-based dialogue, this event can provide the tools, insights, and networks to ensure every seafarer is seen, supported, and safe.

Day Three - ASWC Meeting / Port Welfare Committees Meetings - and Second Stream - Mental Health training and Evolution in seafarers and volunteers care.

Confirmed Speakers: (click their names for a bio on Linkedin)

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PRICING:

Delegate Welfare Providers / Industry / ASWC members:
Delegate attendance fee inc Meals and accommodation. Airfares are at own cost.

Partners:
Meals only in shared accommodation. For partners who wish to join at Breakfast and Dinner. No conference participation. Includes Welcome event.

Join us for the Welcome Event: Opening night gathering

Day Delegates only - Pick and choose which days you wish to attend.

Fees will be charged based on length of stay and sessions registered for. Examples of pricing.

NOTE ACCOMMODATION ON THE 14th of Feb is $390 due to other events in Adelaide.

Book your conference spot today:

Welfare providers register here
Industry and ASWC members register here
Book welcome event only here

Download the full Seafarer Welfare Conference sponsorship prospectus here

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

Contact Sue Dight - rd@mts.org.au

PROGRAM*:

  • Monday 16th February - Trip to Port Giles Mission to Seafarers - leaving at 9am.

    • Welcome Reception - Opening night poolside at Hotel Grand Chancellor from 6.30pm

  • Tuesday 17th February

    • Opening Address - Keynote: A Shared Mission - Protecting Seafarers in a Changing Maritime World - Kaylene Dale _CEO AMSA

    • Full day including networking coffee breaks and Lunch

    • Speakers:

      • Flinders Ports

    • Dinner off site - House of Chow - to Celebrate Chinese New Year.

  • Wednesday 18th February

    • Full day including networking coffee breaks and Lunch

    • Dinner at the Hotel -

  • Thursday 19th February - Two streams

    • ASWC Meeting 9.30am to 1pm - ASWC Members only

    • Industry players role in Seafarer Welfare - Port Welfare committees meeting 2pm to 4pm

  • Thursday 19th February - Welfare Providers

    • Speakers

      • David Parmeter - AMWS

      • Denis Treleaven - TK Foundation

      • Ross Nicholls - Brisbane Mission to Seafarers

    • Workshops - Chaplains / Chairs / Volunteers

    • Workshop - listening to Loss - Jillian Gray - Greyer Matters

    • Finish - 4pm

  • Friday 20th February

    • Departures

     

    *subject to change

Things to do whilst in Adelaide:

Night view of a historic three-story building with ornate architecture, illuminated by streetlights and interior lights, located at a busy city intersection with pedestrians, buses, and illuminated shops on the ground floor.
Crowded outdoor street scene with people dining at tables under umbrellas, walking, and shopping along a lively sidewalk with buildings decorated with lights and signs at night.
 

City of Adelaide - Whats On

There is also loads of places for a quiet drink or something to eat. - Broadsheet also lists things to do.