The Isle of Man’s first Merchant Navy Welfare Board Port Welfare Committee has been established to support seafarers, hosted by industry association Isle of Man Maritime.

The inaugural meeting took place last month at Noa Market Hall, bringing together representatives from the island’s maritime community, welfare charities and industry stakeholders, alongside off-island representatives from the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, The Mission to Seafarers and Stella Maris.

During the meeting, Captain Lee Clarke AFRIN, managing director of Isle of Man Maritime, was elected chair, with Nathan Rogers of PDMS and King George’s Fund for Sailors (Isle of Man) elected vice-chair.

The committee will provide a dedicated forum for collaboration between maritime organisations, charities, port stakeholders and government representatives, helping to identify welfare needs, coordinate support and improve services for seafarers visiting Manx ports.

Speaking following his election, Captain Clarke said: 'This is a historic moment for the Isle of Man’s maritime community and something we should be incredibly proud of.

'Seafarers are the backbone of international trade, often spending months away from their families. When they visit our shores, they should know there is a community ready to welcome and support them. This committee is about turning goodwill into meaningful action, bringing organisations together to ensure that seafarer welfare remains at the heart of our maritime community.'

The committee will build upon existing welfare initiatives, including the work of King George’s Fund for Sailors (Isle of Man), which supports visiting seafarers through charitable programmes such as the annual 'Woolly Hat Appeal'.

The newly established committee will now focus on developing its priorities, strengthening cooperation and ensuring the island continues to be a welcoming and supportive destination for seafarers.