In May 2025 our founder Daniel Smith travelled to Valletta for the I Exist Too Malta Forum, a two-day gathering of seafarers, maritime leaders, legal experts and allies. NeurodiversAtSea was proud to support the forum and to take part in one of its panels.
I Exist Too is a charity working for a more humane maritime sector, where LGBTQ+ people are recognised, valued and supported. Its forum looks at inclusion and wellbeing at sea in the broadest sense, and neurodiversity is part of that picture. Many seafarers belong to more than one minority group, and the experience of feeling different, isolated or unable to be yourself on board is one that LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent seafarers often share.
What we talked about
Daniel spoke about what neurodiversity is, what it means to be neurodivergent in the maritime industry, and the barriers neurodivergent seafarers face, from recruitment and training to disclosure and life on board. He also talked about the strengths neurodivergent people bring, and how employers can make the most of them. The panel was followed by questions from the audience.
Stronger together
Events like this matter because inclusion is not a single issue. The changes that help neurodivergent seafarers, such as clear communication, fair processes and crews where people feel safe to be themselves, help everyone. We’re grateful to I Exist Too for the invitation, and for the chance to learn from the other speakers and the people in the room.
