In 1998, the International Transport Workers Federation(ITF) set up the ITF-FOC Phils. Inc., a campaign office that initially addressed problems affecting seafarers. However, this office was untimely closed by the ITF on September 1, 2002.Imbued with sincere aspirations for social justice and the empowerment of the underprivileged and in view of the growing problems affecting seafarers in the midst of globalization, the urgency to organize and respond become evident.

The former staff, together with seafarers,dockers health workers and labor leaders have decided to organize the International  Seafarers Action Center(ISAC) Philippines  Foundation,Inc which was launched on December 27, 2002 as an action center for the protection of seafarers rights and welfare. 
                                                               
Established with initial assistance from friends, advocates, seafarers and trade unions, ISAC was
registered as a non-stock non-profit foundation on March 5, 2003 with SEC Registration No.CN200305426.
ISAC is presently operating as a non-government
organization (NGO) a fully independent foundation
pursuing its goals and objectives.