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.

Outcomes:

  • New collaborations between ports, shipping companies, welfare organisations, governments and maritime service providers that enhance support for seafarers.

  • A collection of evidence-informed recommendations and examples of best practice that organisations can adopt to improve seafarer welfare.

  • Delegates will gain practical tools, case studies and resources that can be applied within their own organisations and port communities.

  • Increased understanding of the challenges facing today's seafarers and the collective responsibility of the maritime community to respond.

  • Opportunities to expand professional networks, encourage ongoing collaboration and foster lasting partnerships across Australia and internationally.

The Seafarers Welfare Conference 2027 will bring together leaders from across the maritime industry, welfare organisations, government, ports, shipping companies, regulators, unions, chaplaincies and community organisations to explore how stronger partnerships can improve the wellbeing of seafarers.

Hosted by Mission to Seafarers Australia, in partnership with Stella Maris and endorsed by the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA), the conference recognises that no single organisation can meet the growing and evolving needs of seafarers alone. By working together, we can create more connected, resilient and effective welfare services for the people who keep global trade moving.

Under the theme "Shared Horizons 2027: Strengthening Seafarer Welfare Through Partnerships," delegates will explore innovative approaches, share successful initiatives and develop practical solutions that can be implemented across Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Why Attend?

The conference will provide opportunities to:

  • Hear from leading Australian and international speakers.

  • Learn about emerging issues affecting seafarer wellbeing.

  • Explore successful welfare initiatives from ports around the world.

  • Build new partnerships across industry, government and welfare organisations.

  • Share practical experiences and innovative ideas.

  • Strengthen collaboration between maritime stakeholders.

  • Discover opportunities to support seafarers before, during and after their time in port.

Whether you work in shipping, port operations, maritime regulation, welfare services, chaplaincy, government or education, this conference provides an opportunity to contribute to a stronger, more connected maritime welfare network.

Conference Themes

Sessions will explore topics including:

  • Collaboration across the maritime sector

  • Mental health and wellbeing

  • Shore leave, transport and access to welfare services

  • Crew connectivity and digital inclusion

  • Emergency response and crisis support

  • Future challenges facing seafarers

  • Best practice welfare programs

  • Port community partnerships

  • Innovation and technology in welfare delivery

  • Building sustainable volunteer and chaplaincy networks

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

Contact Sue Dight - rd@mts.org.au

Things to do whilst in Launceston:

 

City of Launceston - Experience Launceston

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