Mumbai, June 13 (IANS): The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) has bagged the 'Best Welfare Organisation of the Year Award-2015' instituted by the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) in Britain.

The award was presented to NUSI General Secretary Abdulgani Y. Serang by International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu, in London earlier this week, an official said here on Saturday.

The ISWAN award symbolizes a host of best practices in the welfare of seafarers in the Indian maritime industry and recognizes excellence in providing welfare services and facilities for the community.

Serang said that NUSI safeguards the rights and provides welfare services to merchant shipping industry seafarers and their families with the motto of aFrom Womb to Tomb - And Beyond'.

Addressing a rally of seafarers here on Friday, Serang assured the gathering that NUSI would achieve new heights of welfare and development in the coming years for the seafarers and their families.