New programme developed with Crewsure Insurance and The Mission to Seafarers addresses a long-standing gap in crew welfare
The international maritime industry has taken an important step forward in crew welfare with the launch of SAFER at Home, a new healthcare and family protection programme announced by global insurance broker Howden.
Designed specifically for the world's seafarers, the programme recognises an issue that has existed across the industry for many years. Whilst most crew members benefit from medical protection during their period of employment on board, that protection often ends when they return home on leave or between contracts, leaving many seafarers and their families without access to continuing healthcare support.
With almost two million seafarers responsible for keeping global trade moving every day, the initiative aims to close this protection gap by extending healthcare cover to crew members whilst they are at home and providing year-round protection for their families.
The launch comes at a time when crew welfare, recruitment and retention remain key priorities for shipowners and managers, particularly against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical uncertainty and operational challenges facing the maritime sector.
Recent events in the Middle East and around the Strait of Hormuz have once again highlighted the vital role played by seafarers, many of whom continue to work in increasingly demanding environments to maintain global supply chains. Whilst considerable attention is rightly focused on the risks faced at sea, the welfare needs of crew members and their families at home can often receive far less attention.
SAFER at Home has been developed through a collaboration between Howden, Crewsure Insurance and the maritime charity The Mission to Seafarers, combining specialist maritime insurance expertise with practical healthcare solutions and welfare support.
The programme has been designed to help shipping companies demonstrate a broader commitment to crew wellbeing, supporting their efforts to improve employee engagement, strengthen recruitment and retention, and enhance their reputation as responsible employers.
Commenting on the launch, Andrew Briant, Managing Director of Crewsure Insurance, said:
"For many years the maritime industry has done an excellent job of protecting crew members whilst they are serving on board. However, healthcare needs do not stop when a contract finishes or a seafarer returns home on leave. SAFER at Home has been developed to help address that long-recognised gap by extending meaningful healthcare protection and support to seafarers and their families beyond the vessel. We are delighted to have worked alongside Howden and The Mission to Seafarers on this important initiative."
As expectations around Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments continue to evolve, initiatives that place greater emphasis on the long-term wellbeing of seafarers are becoming increasingly important for the shipping industry.
By extending support beyond the period of active employment, SAFER at Home represents a significant development in the evolution of maritime employee benefits and reinforces the industry's continuing commitment to those who keep world trade moving.
About Crewsure Insurance
Crewsure Insurance is a specialist underwriting agency focused exclusively on the international maritime industry, developing innovative insurance solutions for shipowners, yacht operators, crew managers and maritime employers. Working with leading insurers and distribution partners around the world, Crewsure specialises in MLC-compliant crew welfare, healthcare and employee benefits programmes designed specifically for the unique needs of the maritime sector.