International Seafarers Welfare Award 2019

Date: 18 September 2019

As part of Garrets’ continual commitment to worthwhile charitable causes to benefit all seafarers Garrets Head of Commercial in the UK Rob Austin and Garrets Key Account Manager Mark Buckland-Garnett, representing both Wrist Ship Supply and Garrets, proudly presented two prestigious ISWAN awards on the 11th of September 2019.

ISWAN is the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) and is a membership organisation which works to promote and support the welfare of seafarers all over the world. ISWAN supports those who establish and provide welfare facilities and services in both port and on ships. Organised by ISWAN, the awards give seafarers the chance to say thank you to the companies, organisations and individuals who have provided them with the highest quality welfare services and facilities.

This has been the 4th consecutive year Garrets and Wrist have been involved in the International Seafarers’ Welfare Awards. Both Wrist CCO Niels Snog and Garrets Head of Commercial (UK) Rob Austin were part of the shortlist judging panel this year, but the final winners were nominated by the seafarers themselves. 

Garrets and Wrist each sponsored an award –  Shipping Company of the Year and Seafarer Center of the Year respectively.

Shipping Company of the Year: TEEKAY SHIPPING

Teekay Shipping provides free internet to all its ships and a support line for seafarers experiencing challenges in their work of personal life. The company provides modern gym equipment on board and social interaction is encouraged with onboard team competitions. Teekay also involves families back home with events, competitions and support in the event of emergencies, and provides medical coverage for all seafarers and their dependents.

Rob Austin (right) congratulating Mikkel Seidelin from Teekay (left), winner of the Shipping Company of the Year Award.

Seafarer Centre of the Year: LIVERPOOL SEAFARERS CENTRE

Seafarers visiting Liverpool Seafarers Centre can take advantage of facilities such as a bar with a shop, an outdoor all-weather area with seating, and a games area including a full-size snooker table. A recent successful grant application enabled the centre to improve its interior furnishings and floor covering to create a homely atmosphere for visiting seafarers. The centre recently introduced the services of a Clinical Psychologist and is open every day, often extending its closing time to meet the needs of seafarers arriving late at night.

Mark Buckland-Garnett (right) congratulating John Wilson from Liverpool Seafarers Centre (left), winner of the Seafarer Center of the Year Award.

For more details about the winners of the International Seafarers' Welfare Awards 2019, read more here: https://www.seafarerswelfare.org/news/2019/international-seafarers-welfare-awards-2019-winners-revealed-at-london-international-shipping-week-event