Caring for our Seafarers

October 14, 2020

We are proud to announce the continued support of Mission to Seafarers (MTS) Newcastle, the recipient of our most recent three-year Community Partnership Program funding.

Locally, MTS offers invaluable support to vessel crew visiting the Port of Newcastle, caring for seafarers of all ranks and nationalities. Nationally, they work in over 200 ports providing assistance to the 1.5 million crewmen and women who face challenges every day to keep our global economy afloat.

The life of seafarers can be very hazardous and lonely. Working long hours is part of sea life, not to mention being cut off from their loved ones for months at a time – sometimes for up to a year. So it’s no wonder that many who work at sea are affected by mental health issues and loneliness, as well as more acute safety issues such as piracy, shipwreck and abandonment.

MTS offers practical, emotional and spiritual support to seafarers providing welcome shore leave and offering assistance with life’s essentials such as purchasing groceries, giving seafarers the ability to connect with families at home via dedicated internet facilities at their Seafarer Centre, as well as a range of welfare and emergency support services. The Centre also offers a place to simply unwind, relax and recharge prior to their homeward journey.

NCIG CEO Aaron Johansen said ensuring our seafarers are well cared for and have the time and resources to recharge before they start their long journey home is very important to NCIG.

“By offering financial support to MTS, we are investing in the health and wellbeing of those who provide critical support to the operation of our port, giving them the opportunity to rejuvenate and take a break from work, ensuring a safer and healthier workplace for all.”

There have been many recent hurdles in sustaining port-based operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and MTS have been dedicated to finding new ways to continue serving seafarers – including socially distanced and carefully planning personal interactions , together with supply delivery and the preparation of care packages.

NCIG have a long-standing relationship with MTS and welcome the opportunity to extend the partnership and provide the organisation with additional support to deliver this important service to our Port’s visitors, making the life of those at sea a little easier.