Support services
NeurodiversAtSea is a small charity and can't provide crisis support. These organisations can help, at sea or ashore.
Urgent help
- Emergency guidance
Emergency services
If someone is in immediate danger, at sea tell the Master straight away. Ashore, call the local emergency number: 112 in the EU and many other countries, 911 in North America, 999 in the UK.
- Contact SeafarerHelp
SeafarerHelp (ISWAN)
Free, confidential, multilingual helpline for seafarers and their families, 24 hours a day, worldwide.
- Find a helpline
Find A Helpline
Free, confidential crisis lines in more than 130 countries, by phone, text and chat.
Support for seafarers
- Ask to join
NeurodiversAtSea peer support community
A moderated WhatsApp community where adult seafarers share experience and practical encouragement. Not counselling or emergency support.
- Visit ITF Seafarers
ITF Seafarers
The International Transport Workers' Federation has inspectors in ports around the world who can help with problems on board, including unpaid wages and contract disputes.
- Visit the Mission
The Mission to Seafarers
Welfare support for seafarers in ports around the world.
- Visit Sailors' Society
Sailors' Society
Wellbeing support, crisis response and the Wellness at Sea programme.
- Visit Nautilus
Your union
Seafarers' unions in many countries offer advice on employment rights, and some run helplines for members. Examples include Nautilus International.
Neurodivergent support
- Visit Autism-Europe
Autism-Europe
An international association that links autism organisations across Europe and shares information about rights and services.
- Visit the federation
World Federation of ADHD
An international federation that brings together ADHD organisations and research from around the world.
- Visit Dyslexia International
Dyslexia International
Information and resources on dyslexia, used in many countries.
- Example: the NAS
National organisations
Most countries have national autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Tourette organisations. In the UK, for example, the National Autistic Society, ADHD UK, the British Dyslexia Association, the Dyspraxia Foundation and Tourettes Action.
Rights at work
- Read the guide
Your rights at work
Our guide to the international conventions and national laws that protect neurodivergent seafarers, and where to get advice.
- Visit JAN
Job Accommodation Network
Free, confidential advice on workplace adjustments from the United States. Its guidance is useful wherever you work.