[7] Any maritime organisation that is involved with setting standards for welfare for seafarers is eligible to join.
ISWAN is funded by membership subscriptions, grants from foundations, sponsorship, and earned income.
[13][14] ISWAN engages in studies, research and projects related to seafarer welfare, including conditions on board ships, health and gender issues.
The awards are designed to recognise good practice in seafarer welfare.
The previous Day of the Seafarer event was called 'Party in the Park', and was held in Manila, Philippines, in 2010.