Peer support for neurodivergent seafarers

Peer support from people who understand life at sea

Moderated: Clear rules, named moderators and a process for reporting harmful behaviour.
Privacy-aware: Members are told what profile information may be visible before they join.
Low-bandwidth: Text-first communication, limited large media and no expectation of immediate replies.
International: Respect for time zones, cultures, ranks, sectors and different access to care.

Community rules

Everyone who joins agrees to these. They keep the group safe and useful for everyone.

Protect other members' privacy. Do not copy messages or screenshots outside the group.
No diagnosis, prescribing or legal advice.
No harassment, discrimination or pressure to disclose.
Do not identify employers, vessels or individuals in allegations.
Use content warnings for distressing subjects.
Follow moderator instructions and safeguarding processes.
Use emergency and onboard reporting routes when someone is at immediate risk.

Ask to join

We do not publish an open group link. A moderator checks each request, explains the boundaries and confirms whether a suitable moderated group is currently available.

Submitting this form does not automatically add you to a group.

Your answers will not be saved on this device. Keep this page open until you send the form. Refreshing or leaving the page discards anything you have entered.

Do not include detailed medical information. See our privacy policy for how we handle your details.

Name

Email address (optional)

WhatsApp number

Include the country code, for example +44 7700 900123.

Country or time zone

Your connection to maritime work

What would you like from the group?

A brief explanation helps moderators understand whether the group is likely to be suitable. Do not include detailed medical information.

Before sending I confirm that I am aged 18 or over. I have read and agree to the community rules. I understand that joining a WhatsApp group may make my profile name, photo or number visible to other members, depending on WhatsApp's current settings. I agree to NeurodiversAtSea using the information in this form, including anything it says about my health or neurodivergence, to review my request, as described in the privacy policy.

Common questions

What is the peer-support community?

A moderated WhatsApp community for shared experience, practical encouragement and signposting between seafarers. It is not counselling, emergency support, casework or medical advice.

Is the group confidential?

Members are expected to respect privacy, but we cannot guarantee what another member may copy or disclose. WhatsApp may also show your profile information to other members.

Who can join?

Adults aged 18 or over with a connection to maritime work: working seafarers, people between contracts, adult cadets, former seafarers, shore-based maritime workers, and family members or supporters.

Why is there no open link?

A moderator checks each request, explains the boundaries and helps keep unsafe or spam access out.