As Director of the Center for Mariner Advocacy, Phil Schifflin Esq. continually seeks opportunities to share SCI’s mission and connect with new partners who are interested in advancing mariner wellbeing.

On September 30, Phil hosted nine representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), who were in the United States as part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program. He began with an overview of SCI’s history and introduced the organization’s three mission areas: Seafarer & Mariner Services, Training, and Mariner Advocacy. He then provided a deeper look into his own area of focus—how SCI works globally to improve mariner wellbeing through engagement with the International Maritime Organization and the International Labour Organization, as well as through direct support of individual mariners with free legal advice and advocacy.

The ASEAN delegation was highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions throughout the discussion. They expressed a strong interest in ways they could contribute to improving mariner wellbeing, particularly in supporting mariners from their home countries.