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.

People sitting in chairs, taking notes with pens and notepads during a conference or seminar.

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

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

Download the program here:

 

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

Program media:

Daily Cargo news featured an article on the speeches of Josh Messick and Dr Jason Zuidema here: https://www.thedcn.com.au/news/shore-leave-crucial-for-seafarer-welfare-conference-hears

Lots of photos are here (yes, please use any for your own purposes):

https://flickr.com/photos/124915888@N06/


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

    • 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

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.