Wellbeing at Sea 2026: Shared Responsibility, Stronger Support"
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.
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 - and Second Stream - Mental Health training
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 below.
Book your conference spot today:
Download the full Seafarer Welfare Conference prospectus here
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Contact Sue Dight - rd@mts.org.au
PROGRAM: NOTE SUBJECT TO DEVELOPMENT and CHANGE
Monday 16th February - Trip to Port Giles Mission to Seafarers - leaving at 10am.
Welcome Reception - Opening night poolside at Hotel Grand Chancellor from 6pm
Tuesday 17th February
Opening Address - Keynote: A Shared Mission - Protecting Seafarers in a Changing Maritime World
Full day including networking coffee breaks and Lunch
Dinner off site
Wednesday 18th February
Full day including networking coffee breaks and Lunch
Dinner at the Hotel - Keynote AMSA Chair Kaylene Dale
Thursday 19th February - Morning Sessions
ASWC Meeting 9am - Grand Chancellor Hotel
Industry players role in Seafarer Welfare - Port Welfare committees
Thursday 19th February - After Lunch
Ship Visitor training
Safe Talk Training - Certificate course
Friday 20th February
Departures
Australia MTS Council Meeting - 10am to 3pm
Things to do whilst in Adelaide:
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.