About us
Rescue at sea is one of the oldest duties of seafaring. We exist to make sure that duty is fulfilled for everyone, on every route.
The Foundation for Humanitarian Action at Sea (FHAS) is an independent foundation based in Geneva. We work with states, the shipping industry, rescue services and humanitarian organisations so that people in distress at sea, including refugees and migrants, are rescued quickly and brought to safety.
Our story
FHAS grew out of a simple observation: The people who share responsibility for rescue at sea almost never talk to each other. That includes coastal states and flag states, ship owners and seafarers, rescue coordinators and humanitarian organisations. Each holds part of the solution, and they rarely sit at the same table.
In 2023, our co-founders set out to change that. They built a neutral space where these actors could meet, speak frankly and work on practical problems together. The work grew quickly: dialogues in Geneva, then in the regions; research on the legal risks facing merchant ships that rescue; and training for rescue serviceson routes the world often overlooks.
In February 2025, FHAS became an independent Swiss foundation. Our purpose has not changed: to bring the maritime and humanitarian worlds together to save lives.
What we do
We convene stakeholders.
States, shipping companies, international organisations and rescue services rarely sit together. Our confidential dialogues in Geneva, Singapore, the Western Indian Ocean and West Africa give them a neutral space to solve problems candidly.
We fill gaps in knowledge through research and data.
Our research shows where the rescue system breaks down. Our tools help close those gaps: Maritime SAR Tools, the first shared registry of rescue incidents, and the Global SAR Atlas, verified contact details for rescue centres worldwide.
We strenghten rescue where it's most needed.
From the Comoros to Liberia and Senegal, we train coast guards, coordinators, fishers and Red Cross volunteers, and run live rescue exercises with the shipping industry.
Our vision and values
Our vision is to enhance the safety of life at sea by supporting commercial seafarers, shipping companies, search and rescue professionals, and states to fulfill their existing legal obligations in the most efficient and effective manner.
Our values
The Foundation for Humanitarian Action at Sea is guided by humanity, neutrality, independence and impartiality. We are committed to protecting lives at sea, fostering open dialogue, and creating practical solutions through transparent and respectful partnerships. These values drive our mission to make the seas safer for all.
Key Actors
The Foundation’s governing and advisory board are composed of prominent actors in maritime rescue, humanitarian action, and the shipping industry, including the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Royal Naval Lifeboat Institute (RNLI), the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and SOS MEDITERRANEE. The Foundation also works closely with other stakeholders, including states, universities, and NGOs. All of these groups bring together expertise, resources, and networks to support FHAS in its mission.
Executive team
The Executive Team is led by the co-founder and director, Dr. Caroline Abu Sa'da and includes, Ishan Chacin as Project Officer and Ralph Mamiya as Senior Researcher.
Caroline Abu Sa'Da is an experienced humanitarian leader with a PhD in Political Science, extensive fieldwork with MSF, Oxfam, and the UN, and a rich academic and publishing background on humanitarian action and international relations.
Ralph Mamiya is an expert in civilian protection and humanitarian action, formerly serving as UN Peace Operations team leader and advisor to numerous governments and organisations. He holds a Juris Doctor from Cornell Law School.
Ishan Chacín is a Master’s student in Political Science and Globalization at the University of Lausanne. At FHAS, he supports the team in administrative processes and the day-to-day functioning of the Foundation. He also contributes to project follow-up and the preparation of dialogue platforms, as well as the development of communication and institutional materials.
Board of trustees
The Foundation for Humanitarian Action at Sea is governed by a Board of Trustees comprising the President Richard Watts, co-founder of FHAS and a maritime expert and founder of HR Maritime, a representative from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), a representative from the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and a Geneva-based lawyer with expertise in international public affairs. This governance model reflects FHAS’s commitment to neutrality, collaboration and efficiency.
Director at HR Maritime | Expert in Shipping, Trade, Insurance & Demurrage | Fellow - Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers | Advocate for digitisation & eBLs | Trainer & consultant for Trading, Shipping & Trade Finance
Principal Director Marine at International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)
Geneva-based lawyer with expertise in international and public affairs, former Mayor of Geneva and Member of the Swiss National Council. Partner, Jacquemoud Stanislas (LL.M., Columbia University)
Strategic Advisor to the Under Secretary General of the IFRC
Ambassadors
The Ambassador role at FHAS is designed to strengthen the Foundation’s engagement across key professional sectors through representation, strategic support, and expert guidance. Ambassadors contribute their experience and networks to enhance the Foundation’s visibility, foster cross-sector collaboration, and reinforce the link between operational realities at sea and humanitarian action.
Former Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Guy Platten has held senior leadership responsibilities within the global shipping industry for many years. His career reflects extensive experience at the interface of commercial shipping, international maritime governance, and industry coordination. As Ambassador for the Foundation for Humanitarian Action at Sea (FHAS), he brings his sectoral knowledge, strategic understanding, and professional network to support the Foundation’s engagement with the maritime world and the development of its activities. His ambassadorship is a pro bono, flexible advisory role.
Annual Report 2025
Discover FHAS’s first year of activities.
Partners
FHAS works with a range of partners — including international councils, industry
groups, and humanitarian networks — to support shared priorities, encourage cross-
sector engagement, and contribute to effective maritime safety and humanitarian
outcomes.
