Sailors’ Society suspends port activity

(Posted on 20/03/20)

International maritime charity Sailors’ Society is offering virtual chaplaincy to seafarers as it suspends its port activities in response to the coronavirus.

The charity, which operates in 90 ports around the world including Southampton, Portbury and Avonmouth, Leith, Tilbury, Invergordon, Dundee and Montrose, Greenock and South Wales, is pausing port activities for an initial period of two weeks, in the light of the increased spread of the virus and the World Health Organization (WHO) activating an international state of emergency.

Chaplains will instead be available online using social media and digital technology to provide advice, support and arrange practical help for crews. The charity is sharing mental health advice for seafarers and is setting up a special Facebook group for seafarers concerned about the impact of the virus on their health and livelihoods.

Sailors’ Society’s COO Sandra Welch said: “Our chaplains usually meet 1,000 seafarers a day in ports across the globe. As this crisis has unfolded, we have been closely following health advice in the ports where we operate and offering virtual chaplaincy to quarantined seafarers.

“This suspension is last thing we want to be doing - especially today, Sailors’ Society’s 202nd birthday. But we need to put the health of our staff and the crews we serve first.

“If you are a seafarer struggling at this time, you are not alone. We know this is a particularly distressing and unsettling time for many of you and we are still very much here for you, even if we can’t be with you physically.

“In the past two centuries, we have supported seafarers through many crises, including two world wars. Our dedicated and driven chaplaincy team will do whatever it takes to support you through this crisis today.

“You can reach our chaplains via our website and we hope our new Facebook group will become a place where you can share encouragement and advice with one other too.”

A special coronavirus section of the Sailors’ Society website can be accessed at https://www.sailors-society.org/coronavirus, with health information, advice for seafarers on how to manage their mental health in light of the pandemic and contact details for chaplains and the new Facebook group.

Latest News

Maritime appetite for cyber risk higher than other industries

A new report published by DNV reveals that the majority (61%) of maritime professionals believe the... Read more

NorthStandard adjusts for future with precautionary premiums increase

The return of higher claim volumes during 2024, increased exposure to larger claims, and continuing... Read more

ClassNK ELW on improving seafarers’ living conditions for Tokei Kaiun bulker

ClassNK has granted its ‘ELW (HP)’ (Excellent Living and Working Environment (Hydroponics... Read more

FONASBA elects new President and Board

The Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA) has held its annual meeting... Read more

10,000 cadets benefit from Sailors’ Society virtual conferences

Record-breaking numbers of cadets and ratings from across the globe have attended the 2024 Sailors&rsquo... Read more

Algoma’s stronger quarter signals promising close to the year

Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three and nine months ended September 30... Read more

Urgent need for updated medical guide for ships

Marine Medical Solutions, a key player in maritime healthcare, is raising awareness to the urgent need... Read more

KCC makes move into wind with bound4blue eSAIL system on newbuild

A subsidiary of Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA (“KCC”) has entered into an agreement... Read more

KCC makes move into wind with bound4blue eSAIL system on newbuild

A subsidiary of Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA (“KCC”) has entered into an agreement... Read more

Partnership to launch maritime Know-Your-Customer data platform

Baltic Exchange has launched a Know-Your-Customer (KYC) platform to give the maritime sector greater... Read more