Seafarers on a membership mission

REDUCED numbers of crews on modern vessels and shorter turnaround time in the port have a serious impact on the financial status on the Richards Bay Combined Seafarers Mission.

Speaking at the Mission’s annual general meeting on Monday evening, Chairman Gert Peterson said in addition to revenue dropping, costs were increasing, putting strain on the organisation’s financial position.

A number of cost cutting and income generating measures had been initiated, leading to some relief, but only increased membership would be the ultimate key to survival.

It was agreed the excellent facilities at the Mission, and its fine family atmosphere, are largely unknown to the general public.

‘We need a strong membership drive. It is sad to see the number of port users such as ships’ agents no longer seeking membership,’ said Peterson.

‘The financial viability of the mission is directly related to the impact of the ministry to visiting seamen.

‘Most are at sea for nine months at a time, separated from their families and helpless to deal with problems so far from home and loved ones.

‘They face many difficulties, not least of which is the fear of piracy and the trauma that brings.’

In his annual report, Mission Chaplain Mark Classen shared experiences aboard a number of vessels where spiritual counselling and practical assistance was offered to seamen.

This included grief counselling, hospital visits and justice issues such as unpaid salaries and ill treatment.

The work done by the Mission’s multi-denominational ministry both at the centre and on visiting ships received special praise.

The Seafarers Mission can be contacted on 035 7979341.

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