THE horns of every ship docked around the globe sounded on Friday in commemoration of International Seafarers’ Day.
This year’s commemoration will be used to highlight the plight of seafarers amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, with the international Mission to Seafarers calling for nations to consider seafarers as key workers and prioritise them for vaccination.
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Established in 2010, International Seafarers’ Day was established on 25 June by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to recognise the contribution made by these individuals.
This followed the publication of a revised set of international laws that ensure all seafarers receive the same levels of training, general welfare and safety.
Vaccination drive
The Mission to Seafarers provides for the spiritual and physical well-being of seafarers, assisting them with social justice issues.
Locally, the Richards Bay branch is led by Chaplain Mark Classen who, along with his team, is aware of the challenges these men face.
Seafarers have to endure months from family and loved ones, and the pandemic has exacerbated this situation, with some seafarers clocking up 18 months or more at sea.
Compounding the situation is the fact that there is no shore leave for seafarers, meaning they’re holed up on the ships on which they work, for the duration of their time in port.
This has caused the suicide rate among seafarers to spike. In a bid to turn this situation around, the Mission to Seafarers is calling for all countries to consider seafarers as key workers and prioritise them for vaccination.
‘Without seafarers, the global economy would grind to a halt. Their role is more important than people realise but the behind-the-scenes nature of their work means they’re overlooked,’ said Chaplain Mark Classen.
Only the USA and UK are prioritising seafarers’ vaccinations, with every port offering it free of charge. Australia is offering the vaccination to seafarers at only one port – while no other country has stepped up.
Financial drive
Lockdown restrictions have placed a burden on the Mission to Seafarers, not only in Richards Bay, but globally, which relies on donations to stay afloat.
‘For more than a year now we have not had the luxury of hosting events to raise funds for our seafarers mission and provide them with some onshore entertainment,’ said Classen.
‘We are in financial dire straits and appeal to any businesses or individuals who are willing and able to donate towards our running costs.
‘Seafarers missions around the world are battling to keep their doors open, us included, and if we have to close our doors, there will be no link to shore for the seafarers when they come in to port.
This would have an even further detrimental effect on their well-being both physically and emotionally.’
For more information on how you can support the Richards Bay Mission to Seafarers, contact the office on 035 7979341
*Open your app and scan the framed image to watch Friday’s horn sounding tribute of the seafarers
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