THE NATIONAL Seafarers Welfare Conference in Adelaide next month comes at “a critical time for the industry”, Mission to Seafarers Australia regional director Sue Dight says.
The conference theme is Wellbeing at Sea 2026: Shared Responsibility, Stronger Support, and brings together maritime welfare providers, regulators, port authorities, unions, industry and seafarer support organisations.
“Seafarers keep global trade moving, yet too often their wellbeing is addressed only when something goes wrong,” Ms Dight said.
“Wellbeing at Sea 2026 is about turning shared responsibility into everyday practice—across ports, terminals and vessels—so seafarer welfare is embedded in how the maritime industry operates, not added on as an afterthought.”
The conference focused on the practical delivery of seafarer welfare at a time of increased regulatory, operational and human-centred pressures on the maritime workforce.
With seafarers crucial to global supply chains, the event is to examine how shared responsibility across industry, government and welfare organisations can deliver stronger, more consistent frontline support.
Key themes include:
The program will include keynote addresses from Sam McSkimming of Pilbara Ports, Reverend Josh Messick on the Baltimore Bridge collapse, and AMSA chief executive Kaylene Dale.
Seafarer wellbeing is too often addressed only when something
goes wrong, says Sue Dight. Image: DCN
There also will be panel discussions, case studies and workshops, as well as specialist training for welfare providers and volunteers.
The conference will also provide opportunities for industry networking and collaboration, recognising that effective seafarer welfare supports safer operations, workforce retention and resilient supply chains.
The National Seafarers Welfare Conference will be held on 17-19 February at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Adelaide.
Full details and registration information are available here.