CHART COMPASSAND

THE MAGAZINE OF THE SAILORS’ SOCIETYwww.sailors-society.orgSPRING 2015

Wellness at Sea launch puts seafarers’ welfare fi rst

Ensuring staff well-being

Beating fatigueat sea

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2 WELCOME

INDUSTRY NEWS

3 The Society supports the Missing Seafarers Reporting Programme

BEATING FATIGUE

4 Health advice – how to stay fresh at sea

CARING AND SHARING

6 Magsaysay’s Marlon R Rono on the importance of looking after seafarers

YOUR WELL-BEING IN MIND

8 Announcing the Wellness at Sea programme

CHAT WITH A CHAPLAIN

10 Lucie Ranoromalala in Madagascar

A PLACE IN THE SUN

11 Beaches and attractions in Toamasina, Madagascar

INTO THE BREACH

12 Stories from history reveal the heroism of seafarers

LIFE ON THE QUAYSIDE

13 News from our port chaplains around the world

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

14 The International Sailors’ Society and its sister organisations

WELCOMEFROM THE EDITOR, STUART RIVERS

Last year saw the beginning of many new initiatives and projects to help transform seafarers’ lives, and 2015 will see us investing in even more ways to help them

We have some exciting news to talk about in this issue: the launch of our Wellness at Sea Programme – an innovative coaching

course helping seafarers to look after their health and well-being on board ship.

Building on pioneering work into mental health and the unique social environment of the ship, the programme will help equip participants with all the tools they need to maintain good general ‘wellness’ at sea.

The programme has been many months in the making, and we are extremely proud of the results – see pages 8 and 9 for more details.

Sailors’ Society has long been aware of the complexities of keeping people happy and healthy, especially on board ship. Indeed, much of our work is based on seeing the seafarer as a whole human being, with a variety of needs. In launching the Wellness at Sea programme, we are helping the wider shipping industry to embrace the caring ethos shared by our advisory board.

Aside from launching the Wellness at Sea programme around the world, Sailors’ Society will

be busy continuing to offer practical, emotional and spiritual support to seafarers and their families wherever we fi nd them. Our chaplains have been busy meeting the needs of seafarers over the winter months, and we have heartwarming stories and practical advice in plentiful supply.

We will also be talking to Marlon Rono, of Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, about how they work to bring out the best in the seafarers they employ by being caring employers and giving back to the community (see pages 6 and 7).

We turn our eyes to

Madagascar on pages 10 and 11 to catch up with port chaplain Lucie Ranoromalala and discover the best places to visit if you fi nd yourself with a port stop in Toamasina.

Mark Warner talks about the spiritual aspect of wellness on page 15, and how we can achieve fulfi lment in our lives.

I hope you fi nd the time to take a quiet moment to refl ect on your own well-being, and how you might best be able to reach a state of wellness.

Happy Easter!

Registered Charity No. 237778A company limited by guaranteeRegistered in England No. 86942Patron: Her Majesty the QueenEditor: Stuart RiversAssistant editor: Vicky Macleod

Published by the Sailors’ Society,350 Shirley Road, Southampton,Hampshire, SO15 3HY, EnglandTel: +44 (0)23 8051 5950Email: admin@sailors-society.org

INTERNATIONAL SAILORS’ SOCIETIES

Canada Secretariat: Chamber of Shipping,

100, 1111 West Hastings Street,Vancouver BC, V6E 2J3, Canada

New ZealandNational Secretary: Larry Robbins OBE RNZN (RTD)42 Knights Road, Rothesay Bay,Auckland 1311, New Zealand

Southern AfricaCEO: Revd J D (Boet) Van Schalkwyk

Suite No. 6, Second Floor, Westville Centre, 52 Norfolk Terrace

Written, designed and produced by CPL (Cambridge Publishers)www.cpl.co.ukISSN: 1759 -1317

Many thanks to our wonderful partners GAC, who distribute Chart & Compass overseas

CONTENTS

The Wellness at Sea Programme helps seafarers

with their health and well-being on board ship

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Industry newsA round-up of the lAtest events And Announcements in the shipping trAde

www.sailors-society.org 3digest

sailors’ Society is pleased to be supporting the ‘Missing Seafarers Reporting Programme’, a new international resource run by Human Rights at Sea (HRAS), where details

of missing seafarers and fishermen can be submitted and recorded.

The platform aims to build an accurate international database of the status of seafarers and fishermen missing at sea on a global basis. It will eventually become a multilingual database, where cases of missing mariners and fishermen can be registered and tracked, enabling people with key information to post and update details through a moderated and secure platform.

The Missing Seafarers Reporting Programme

is designed to keep alive the issue of seafarers and fishermen lost at sea and to raise international awareness by profiling individual cases to maritime authorities, flag states, governments, ship owners and managers, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and the general public, among others. HRAS is currently investigating several missing persons, although the true global scale of the issue remains unknown.

David Hammond, Barrister and founder of Human Rights at Sea, who conceived the programme, said: ‘The delivery of the first publicly available phases of the Missing Seafarers Reporting Programme has been an immense effort from all those involved. This programme is a perfect example of the HRAS

drive for providing practical solutions to human rights issues in the maritime environment.’

Mike Robinson, Operations Director of C Data Services, who built the platform, commented: ‘There are currently no statistics available on the number of people, from the 1.5m registered seafarers worldwide, who are missing. This makes the Missing Seafarers Register a valuable resource for investigation and analysis, as well as emphasizing the global scale of this issue to a wider audience.

‘With two of our directors having served at sea, the plight of missing seafarers and their families is a subject close to our hearts; therefore we are honoured to be involved in this important campaign.’www.missingseafarers.org

helP For missing seaFarers

SeafarerS’ rightS app launched

seafarers facing legal problems will now be able to consult experts about their rights and how to protect themselves,

wherever they are in the world, thanks to a new app from Seafarers’ Rights International (SRI).

The app has been hailed as ‘a lifeline for seafarers’ and will be capable of operating offline as well as online, ensuring the information can be accessed whenever it is needed.

Guidance available on the app includes a ‘find a lawyer’ function, which provides access to a global database of maritime lawyers, who will be able to help advise seafarers facing

legal battles, or who are unsure of their rights or legal standing.

It also provides helpful guidance based on the Maritime Labour Convention, including a helpful breakdown of key points seafarers should be aware of.

Seafarers will also be able to access guides to maritime laws in 30 different countries, covering relevant topics from injury and death claims to specific situations, such as ship abandonment.

The app is compatible with Apple, Android and Blackberry devices, and can be downloaded free from m.seafarersrights.org

New seafarers’ centre directory now available

the International Seafarers’ Welfare Assistance Network (ISWAN) has released an updated directory of seafarers’ centres

around the world.The directory includes centres run by Sailors’

Society, the Apostleship of the Sea (Stella Maris) and Mission to Seafarers, as well as many other major seafarers’ charities. It provides contact details, opening hours and available facilities for each centre.

The directory is a valuable tool for seafarers on long contracts looking for somewhere to get some downtime in port. It can be downloaded from www.seafarerswelfare.org/seafarers-centre-directory

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4 HEALTH ADVICE www.sailors-society.org

BEATIng fatigueRecognition of the potential impact of fatigue on maritime safety has increased over the years. Here, Marc Williams, of the Maritime Coastguard Agency, explains how extreme tiredness can affect seafarers, and gives tips on keeping refreshed at sea

Seafaring is hard – not only because of the long hours, physical demands, harsh environment, and weeks or months spent away from home, family and friends – but also because the job

works against our bodies’ natural need for rest and recuperation.

the longer we are awake, and the harder we work, the more energy we use, and the greater our need for recovery. the two essential components for recovery are food and sleep – food to replenish the energy we have used and sleep to help our bodies recover, mentally and physically. Without the right amount and quality of both, our minds and bodies slow down, and our performance drops. We can become unwell and a danger to ourselves and those around us.

Our need for sleep is well documented. Broadly speaking, we need about one hour of sleep for every two hours that we are awake.

However, it is not as simple as that; the time of day that we sleep – and the length and quality of it – are also important.

We naturally feel tired and want to sleep during the night and, to a lesser extent, during the afternoon. this is the natural, biological sleep/wake pattern that most people follow throughout their working lives. Our sleep also goes in cycles, from light sleep to deep sleep and back again. for sleep to be effective and recovery to take place, we need to go through several of these cycles without being disturbed. each takes about 90 minutes, so a good period of sleep should really last at least six hours. unfortunately, shift work – including seafaring – frequently does not allow this.

the need to operate ships safely, 24/7, means there has to be someone in charge at all times, so seafarers are often awake when their bodies naturally want to sleep – and need

to try to sleep when their bodies naturally want to be awake. Moreover, disrupted rest periods, heat, noise and vibration can all interrupt sleep and reduce its effectiveness. this can lead to ‘sleep debt’, where the body is not getting enough quality sleep to recover fully. if this is not addressed quickly, it can lead to fatigue.

Seafarers can contact SeafarerHelp 24 hours a day, 365 days per year in the following ways:

Telephone: 00 800 7323 2737 (toll free)

SMS: +44 (0) 7624 818 405Live chat: www.seafarerhelp.orgEmail: help@seafarerhelp.org

SeafarerHelp is run by an independent not-

for-profit charity, ISWAN, based in the UK.

SeafarerHelp – the lifeline for seafarersSeafarerHelp is the free, confidential 24-hour multilingual helpline for seafarers run by the International Seafarers’ Welfare Assistance Network (ISWAN).

During 2013, the SeafarerHelp team dealt with problems involving nearly 6,500 seafarers and their families. There was a 35 per cent increase in the number of new cases handled by the SeafarerHelp team, and an increase of 47 per cent in the number of seafarers assisted, compared to 2012.

The most common problems seafarers faced were unpaid wages, problems with repatriation, contractual problems,

sub-standard conditions on board and health issues. Helpline staff speak a variety of languages, including: Filipino; Hindi; Russian; Mandarin; Arabic; Urdu; Spanish; Turkish; and English.

Most of the contacts that SeafarerHelp receives are referred to specialist organisations for direct assistance. These include the International Transport Workers’ Federation and welfare organisations such as Sailors’ Society, Mission to Seafarers, and the Apostleship of The Sea.

Other agencies that assisted in the last year included national embassies, harbour authorities, and medical service providers.

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5HEALTH ADVICEwww.sailors-society.org

Without the right amount and quality of food and sleep, our minds and bodies slow down, and our performance drops. We can become unwell and a danger to ourselves and those around us

Other factors that can contribute to fatigue include: unrealistic work pressures; long hours; too much work; difficult work; an unpleasant working environment; personal worries; loneliness; and poor relations with colleagues.

We need to differentiate between tiredness and fatigue. Tiredness is a perfectly healthy reaction to being awake and performing work. It can usually be cured by eating well and getting some good sleep. Fatigue is a much more

insidious condition. In the short term, it leads to impaired mental and physical performance, and – in the long term – can harm health. Recovery from it takes longer.

Fatigue is a major concern, with serious potential consequences for ships and seafarers. Recognising the signs and taking remedial action, before it becomes a problem, is paramount to maintaining the health and safety of everyone at sea. However, recognising fatigue is not always easy. Its effect on the brain makes it less likely that someone can tell when they are suffering from it. It is therefore vital that we look for signs of fatigue in each other (see panel, right, for tips and advice).

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has issued guidance on fatigue, including current legislation, cause, effect and reduction of fatigue, and how to develop fatigue-management plans. For further information see Marine Guidance Note, MGN 505(M), available at www.gov.uk

Signs of fatigueCommon physical signs of fatigue include:• Vacant stare with sunken, bloodshot eyes• Eye strain, sore or ‘heavy’ eyes, dim or blurred vision• Droning and humming in the ears• Paleness of skin• Slurred speech• Headaches• Feeling cold compared with others in the same room• Faintness and dizziness, lack of energy, drowsiness• Unstable posture/swaying, dropping chin, nodding head• Loss of muscular strength, stiffness, cramps• Loss of manual dexterity/difficulty making fine movements• Muddled thinking or odd behaviour

Help from the masterThere are a number of things that can be done to reduce the likelihood and impact of fatigue.The company/master can help by ensuring:• Small crew issues are addressed – for example, loneliness,

boredom, higher workload• Adequate shore leave, on-board recreation, and family

contact• Effective work/rest arrangements and napping opportunities• Potentially hazardous tasks are scheduled for daytime hours• Crew education and training to recognise and mitigate

fatigue• The creation of an open, just culture for reporting and dealing

with fatigue• Rotation of high-demand and low-demand tasks• Accuracy of record keeping of hours rested/worked• Adequate heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and lighting• Minimum of noise and vibration in rest areas

Self helpSeafarers can help themselves by ensuring:• Adequate personal sleep arrangements • Aim for deep, uninterrupted sleep of seven to eight hours

per 24-hour day • Take strategic naps – even 20-30 minutes can help • Develop a pre-sleep routine – for example, a warm

shower, light reading • Ensure dark, quiet, cool sleep area and comfortable bed • Avoid interruptions during extended period of sleep • Avoid computer games or using visual display units

before sleep

Take care of yourselfMake sure you do all you can to maintain your own health by having:• Adequate diet and fitness • Avoid alcohol and caffeine before sleep • Eat regular, well-balanced meals, but eat lightly

before bed • Exercise regularly – it increases alertness, on and

off duty

• Adequate self-monitoring • Accurately record hours of work and rest • Minimise disturbance of rest/sleep patterns • Take a break between work periods • Get sufficient sleep before high-activity periods

Rules FOR ReAl ResT

Marc Williams is the Human Element Policy Manager at the MCA. He has been with the MCA for 22 years, mostly working in seafarer training and certification, and latterly developing research, guidance and training, particularly in relation to fatigue.

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6 www.sailors-society.orgIntervIew

Q What is your background and how did you start with Magsaysay? A I began my professional career as a human resource practitioner in 1976, with an industrial company. I was involved in community development projects as head of the company’s corporate foundation, implementing countryside community development and organising community cooperatives for rural folks, like farmers.

I started working for Magsaysay in 1989. Since then, the company has grown to be one of the largest providers of quality maritime professionals; the Human Resource Group employs close to 40,000 people in shipping, hospitality, offshore, construction, engineering, information technology and healthcare industries.

The group is also involved in the development of professionals through its training facilities, here and abroad.

Q Could you tell us how Magsaysay seeks to engage with staff? A In Magsaysay, we believe that people are the most valuable resources and essential to our success.

We treat our seafarers as part of a family – hiring the best talent, training them, and keeping them within the organisation. We genuinely care for our people, and make sure that we provide a great place to work, reward creativity and enthusiasm, and provide opportunities for career advancement and personal development.

In addition to providing them with essential training, we have established a family centre to assist and support their families and engage them with various programmes. We believe that, when people feel cared for, they are happier – and when they are happier, they stay.

Magsaysay Maritime has an enviable reputation for staff welfare. Marlon R Rono, Head of Human Resource Group, tells Vicky Macleod why looking after seafarers and local communities is an essential part of the company’s success

CarIng and sharIng

Marlon R Rono

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www.sailors-society.org 7IntervIew

Fisherfolk take their donated

fishing boats for a trip on the water

Residents affected by Typhoon Haiyan don safety shoes donated by Magsaysay

Q What is the benefit of operating in this way, and what advice would you give to other companies wishing to further engage their staff? A As part of the global shipping industry, which is diverse and demanding, we need to be adaptable. We strive to be a people-oriented company that is meaningful, vibrant and innovative. This is essential for retention, but also for attracting the next generation of talent.

Q Could you tell us about the banking cooperative and how that came about? A Through Magsaysay Cooperative – MagCoop – we provide our members with an avenue for investment and savings, as well as low-cost financing for building homes, micro-enterprise, education, emergency family medical needs and assistance in times of calamity. Presently, MagCoop has 18,000

members and I am proud to say that it has been recognised by the Philippine Cooperative Development Authority as one of the top 10 cooperatives in the country.

Q Sailors’ Society has been working with Habitat for Humanity and shipping companies, including Magsaysay, to help rebuild seafaring communities in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. You were among the first to respond to the damage caused by the typhoon. How did you deal with this devastating event? A In November 2013, Magsaysay – in association with Homer Foundation Incorporated (HFI) – organised a massive disaster relief campaign to provide monetary and ‘in kind’ support to the affected seafarers and their families, and to areas hard hit by the typhoon.

We deployed volunteer teams in Tacloban, Leyte, Eastern Samar, Northern Panay, Aklan, Capiz, Ormoc, Cebu and Bohol. Through the outreach programme, Magsaysay has donated pairs of safety shoes, generator sets to communities with little or no electricity, and boxes of cereal to more than 5,000 kids.

We also established the ‘Magsaysay Tawag-Call Center’ using satellite phones in Capiz, Cebu and Iloilo to provide free call services to more than 8,000 affected families.

Additionally, we were able to secure a water-purification system from Daicen Membrane-Systems, of Japan, to provide safe and clean water for more than 3,000 families in Bislig district, on the island of Leyte, and other neighbouring communities.

With the help of various stakeholders and partners, including Sailors’ Society, we initiated a livelihood programme – known as

We treat our seafarers as part of a family

the MagAHon (Rise from the Sea) Program – providing fisherfolk with the materials and equipment for the construction of fishing boats. The programme has already awarded more than 200 fishing boat units to the communities of Leyte, Samar and Panay islands.

Q Could you tell us about some of the other work you have been doing with Habitat for Humanity over the past few years? A In 2012, the company decided to launch a programme to help build homes for the homeless in less privileged communities in the Philippine city of Navotas. The project was completed in October 2014 with the help of our seafarers, employees, families, foreign volunteers and with HFI and Habitat for Humanity. We built 127 homes, a community clinic, a day-care centre – complete with chairs, tables and a toilet – and a multipurpose centre with toilets, mini kitchen and storage room.

Q Magsaysay’s strapline is ‘We Care’. How else are you improving life for employees and communities in the Philippines? A Our strategy is best spelled out by our holistic approach to people development, which is manifested through our commitment to training, to communication through innovation and to care.

‘We Care’ is our guiding principle in improving quality of life for seafarers and the communities where we serve. With this in mind, Magsaysay – in cooperation with HFI – constantly promotes ‘We Care’ through meaningful projects in education, volunteerism, disaster relief and rebuilding, health and wellness, and the environment.

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8 WELLNESS AT SEA

Sailors’ Society is excited to announce the launch of its Wellness at Sea Programme, a coaching course aimed at improving seafarers’ well-being on board ship

YOUR WELL-BEING IN MIND

A seafarer’s fatigue, poor mental health and stress can make the difference between a safe transit and a major incident

The idea to create the Wellness at Sea programme was sparked by a roundtable discussion chaired by Sailors’ Society in Hong Kong. Several key shipping-industry fi gures

were in attendance, to discuss the issue of crew attrition rates and the complex problem of maintaining wellness on board ship.

It has been recognised that the vast majority of incidents occurring at sea are down to ‘human error’, a term that disguises a variety of underlying problems. Fatigue, poor mental health, stress and many other issues affect seafarers going about their daily work, and can be the difference between a safe transit and a major incident.

Sailors’ Society’s Wellness at Sea programme – the basis of which has been provided by the earlier work of Johan Smith (see box out) – will seek to combat these issues by addressing ‘wellness’ as a holistic concept, made up of fi ve specifi c areas of well-being: • Social• Emotional• Physical• Intellectual• Spiritual

All these areas are infl uenced by the context of life at sea, so each module has been formulated to take these factors into consideration. An environmental section in each module will address the impact of the wider environment on  a seafarer’s wellness and, correspondingly, the impact of the seafarer’s wellness on the wider environment.

HOW CAN I GET ON THE WELLNESS AT SEA PROGRAMME? Sailors’ Society will run the course at two levels: through a Cadet and an Offi cer Programme.

In 2015, the Offi cer Programme will be offered to selected companies to integrate with their yearly training programmes, and will subsequently become more widely accessible. The Cadet Programme will be available through maritime training colleges – working in partnership with Sailors’ Society – at a later date.

WHERE IS THE COURSE TAKING PLACE? This year, Johan Smith, Sailors’ Society’s Wellness Project Manager, will run training courses in seven international locations — South Africa, Namibia, China, Hong Kong, India, Ukraine and the Philippines . These will provid e coaching in each of the fi ve areas of wellness, and empower attendees to pass on the lessons they have learned to crew mates and others under their command.

WHAT DOES THE COURSE COVER? The programme has been designed so that it can be tailored to the needs of each company and institution. It can be delivered as a whole or in selected modules. For more information about the Wellness at Sea Programme, visit www.sailors-society.org/wellnessatsea or email wellness@sailors-society.org

WELLNESS PROGRAMME Johan Smith, Wellness Project Manager, has been involved with seafarers for the past

six years while serving as a port chaplain in Cape Town. In 2011, he started developing the wellness programme , a prototype of which was rolled out in parts of Africa before Sailors’ Society approached him to fund and develop the full course.

Johan lives in the shadow of Table Mountain, in Cape Town,

with his wife, Elmie, and their two-year-old daughter, Amelie. He studied theology, and is also a qualifi ed social worker.

‘ The wellness programme fi lls a gap in the industry as old as the industry itself ,’ Johan says. ‘The neglect of the human side of seafaring has come at a hefty cost, and the programme goes a long way towards addressing shortcomings of the past.

‘ It tends to seafarers in a holistic, multi dimensional, pro active and humanitarian way. It considers and acknowledges all aspects of being human as

integral to being a seafarer. ‘The course trains seafarers

in several areas that have been overlooked. Historically, training of seafarers has been one-dimensional: occupational. The programme introduces a philosophy that argues – to ably steer a ship from point A to point B – you also need cultural competence, emotional intelligence, social skills and spiritual well-being .

‘The programme is different because it is pro active. Most services concerned with seafarer welfare are reactive and only

come into play once a problem arises. The programme introduces knowledge and skills to: empower and equip; prevent rather than cure; minimise instead of react.

‘The course promotes human — and, specifi cally, seafarer – dignity. It s focus is on people : it chooses to be person-centred instead of problem-centred.

‘If we, as Sailors’ Society, can achieve these outcomes and promote this philosophy, it will go a long way to turning the tide in terms of care for seafarers, and make a meaningful contribution to seafarers’ everyday lives.’

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9WELLNESS AT SEA

YOUR WELL-BEING IN MIND

CREW CARE

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Tim Huxley, Chief Executive of Wah Kwong Maritime Transport, says the vast majority of incidents occurring at sea are ascribed to ‘human

error’, a term that disguises the variety of underlying problems that our seafarers face.

‘Problems such as loneliness and separation from friends and family lead to many seafarers abandoning a seagoing career. If we can identify these problems early – and empower masters and senior offi cers to deal with them as they arise – we have a much better chance of solving this problem. Wellness at Sea is not looking to add the role of the parish priest to the established skill sets of our captains but, instead, to support crew retention and show commitment to our colleagues , on whom we depend for so much.’

Sailors’ Society Chief Executive Stuart Rivers says Wellness at Sea marks a step change in the way the industry views the issue of seafarer health: ‘Fatigue, poor mental health, stress and many other issues affect seafarers going about their daily work, and can be the difference between a safe transit and a major incident.

‘Wellness at Sea is designed to fi ll a vital need by recognising the importance to safety of a crew whose mental and spiritual needs are met. By choosing to be person-centred instead of problem-centred, we are focusing on people, the centre point around which the industry revolves.’

Wellness at Sea was produced in response to calls from the industry. Advisory group members include: Tim Huxley, Wah Kwong Simon Doughty, Wallem P B Subbiah, Pacifi c BasinVlad Docekal, RightShipAnuj Chopra, RightShip

C&Cspring15_pp08-09 Wellbeing.indd 9 25/02/2015 16:24

Chaplain Lucie Ranoromalala(+261) 32 41 330 66lranoramalala@sailors-society.org

contact

10 our mission www.sailors-society.org

Q What is your professional background?A I am a full-time port chaplain, and have been working for Sailors’ Society for seven years, since January 2008.

Q What made you want to become a port chaplain?A My husband is a seafarer, so I knew about seafarers’ missions and how much they can help. I was assistant to the previous Sailors’ Society port chaplain in toamasina; when she left, I became the next port chaplain.

Q What is the most rewarding part of your job? A When seafarers and their families are satisfied with my help – when I can see that my work for them has made a difference – this is the most rewarding part. My happiness is my reward.

CHAT WITH A CHAPLAIN

Sailors’ Society chaplain Lucie Ranoromalala

discusses the spiritual and practical help she provides for seafarers at the port of

Toamasina, Madagascar

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Q What would you be doing if you were not a society chaplain?A I would work in a Bible school or in the theological seminary.

Q What do you hope to bring to the seafarers you help? A I hope they know the importance of Sailors’ Society’s work in the port of toamasina, and know that this charity truly helps seafarers and their families around the world.

Q What advice would you give to seafarers visiting your port?A I advise them to think of their families, respect them, and send their salary home. I advise them also to think of God, to read the Bible and to receive Jesus into their hearts.

Q Finally, do you have a message for seafarers? What would you like to say to them? A the work of seafarers is important because they bring 90 per cent of people’s goods to them. People depend upon them to do their job. Seafarers should remember how important they are, and seriously apply themselves to accomplishing their work. I invite them to think of God, and to set aside a time to pray and read the Bible when they wake up in the morning. I invite them to think of their family at sea.

Q What is the most difficult or challenging part of your job? A the most difficult part is when I have many duties to do in a short time.

Q What is the most common seafarers’ need you encounter in your ministry?A Seafarers need someone to take them to the Seafarers’ centre, and get access to the internet, SIM cards and phone cards. they also need transport to bring them to the supermarket and the public market.

Q Do you have any particular story about helping seafarers or their families?A often, seafarers’ wives encounter problems in the new school year: they do not have enough funds for the registration fees for their children. I often provide help from Sailors’ Society [in the form of an education grant]. they are happy, and give thanks to Sailors’ Society.

I hope the seafarers that I help know the importance of Sailors’ Society’s work, and know that this charity truly helps seafarers and their families

C&Cspring15_pp10 Chaplains.indd 10 25/02/2015 16:24

1. Parc IvoloinaA chance to learn more about Madagascar’s famous lemurs,

Parc Ivoloina is involved in the preservation and study of these creatures, and provides an opportunity for the public to see the many indigenous species. For energetic visitors, there are hiking trails surrounding the park, passing through both natural forest and green space, with fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.

2. Bazary BeMeaning ‘big market’, this street market is famous for its colourful array of goods and stalls. Specialising in spices and local crafts, it is a popular tourist spot, and a good place to

spend any money that’s been burning a hole in your pocket. Alternatively, head this way simply to soak up the bustling atmosphere and get a glimpse of daily life in Toamasina.

3. Fort MandaThis 19th-century fort is best enjoyed with one of the local guides, as a casual visitor might miss out on the fascinating history of its construction and its relationship to

the trade port. Well-informed guides can also offer insights into the French colonisation of Madagascar, and the lives of ordinary Malagasy people at the time. Highlights include the original cannons and the prison block.

4. Take a pousse rideThe pousse, which is a bit like a cycle-rickshaw, is the cheapest way – apart from Sailors’ Society chaplain’s free minibus rides! – to get around in Toamasina and

is a unique way to see the city. Make sure not to pay over the odds for your trip: an average ride should cost between 1,000 and 2,000 ariary. Make sure you agree the price before you ride.

5. Canal des PangalanesThe Canal des Pangalanes stretches for more than 400 miles, includes natural waterways, rivers and man-made lakes, and features several unspoiled

beaches along its banks. Locals often use the canal to transport goods and set fishing nets. Tours in motor boats are run by a small company operating out of Toamasina, and can be booked in the high season.

Time on your hands when in port in Toamasina? Sit back and relax, we’ve got it covered

Well-informed guides can also offer insights into the French colonisation of Madagascar, and the lives of ordinary Malagasy people

A plAce in the sun

pierre-Yves BABelo

n / M

uriel lA

sure / pierre-Yves BA

Belon

/ shu

tterstoc

k luc

legAY

Toamasina, meaning ‘salty’, is the main seaport on the island of Madagascar. Famous for its beautiful beaches and the coral reef that forms the natural harbour, the city owes its existence

and culture to the sea. If you have some free time, there are many

exciting things to do off ship. Here are our pick of the best. If you find yourself in the Toamasina area, be sure to contact Sailors’ Society’s chaplain Lucie Ranoromalala, who will help with anything she can.

www.sailors-society.org 11port profile

C&Cspring15_pp11 Port.indd 11 25/02/2015 16:25

12 www.sailors-society.orgBLAST FROM THE PAST

INTO THE

BREACHSailors have often been willing to lend their help in times of crisis, especially when providing aid to the victims of natural disasters. This extract from a 1924 issue of Chart & Compass refl ects on the heroic nature of seafarers, and the strong bonds formed between men working on board ships

S o often we hear of Masters of vessels blamed for leaving men ashore for various reasons, and apparently caring

little as to their future welfare. There is ample evidence that the reason lies in the fact that, so ready is the sailor to do the practical thing himself, that he presupposes that others will do the same.

Says Second-Offi cer W-------, of the Hospital ship ‘M-------- ’, one of the rescuing vessels of the Smyrna refugees, in reply to my query as to whether they could deal with the numbers taken aboard : ‘Well, what were we to do? They had to go somewhere, so we simply packed them away and gave them what we had. ’

Steward C------, of the ‘B------ ’, reviewing the Messina earthquake of 1910, spoke of being washed ashore by the tidal wave and washed out to sea again and, following a terrible experience of this kind, he goes on to say : ‘We managed to lay to at last, in the Harbour,

and immediately hundreds of people came out in boats to us. ’

‘Did you take them? ’ I asked. ‘Of course, ’ was the reply, ‘Where were

they to go ? We gave them what grub we had and shipped them to a port nearby. ’

The point is they are faced with the fact and the hand is turned to do that which it fi nds. Boards of Guardians and kindred bodies would have required days of deliberation and quite naturally, for the sailor’s action is accounted for by his unique experiences. In hundreds of cases, British ships of both services have commenced to save the helpless long before instructions have been received from those to whom they are responsible.

In our great Society we strive to form the shore link of this wonderful trait of practical action, which looms so large in the character of the sailor.A R M , Malta

HEROIC DUTCHMAN A story of some very gallant work at sea is told by Captain Robinson, of the Empress of Australia, whose ship was lying in Yokohama harbour at the time of the 1923 earthquake.

After taking on board all the survivors possible, the Empress pulled away from the docks to make for the open sea. A crippled propeller hampered her manoeuvres, however, and – as she was in imminent danger from the burning docks, ships and oil – Captain Robinson signalled to the Dutch tanker, Iris, for assistance.

Without a moment’s hesitation, the Dutch skipper, Captain Konnigs, swung his ship back into the blazing inferno and struggled for

six hours until the liner was safe beyond the breakwater.

The full story of the Dutchman’s heroism was not known until afterwards, when it was found that his ship was carrying a full cargo of benzene and kerosene. It is little short of a miracle that Konnigs and his gallant crew were not blown to atoms as they picked their way among the blazing lighters and burning pools of oil in the harbour.

Surely, if the nations could learn the lessons of the international brotherhood from these men that go down to the sea in ships, there would be no need for armies.

It is a little short of a miracle that Konnigs and his gallant crew were not blown to atoms

C&Cspring15_pp12 Looking Back & Festive season.indd 12 26/02/2015 14:50

13our missionwww.sailors-society.org

Sailors’ Society’s port chaplain in Vitoria, Brazil, Ailton de Souza, was recently called to assist the crew of a ship abandoned in the Port of Vitoria.

The crew of nine men on the Iron Trader, a general cargo vessel, were of mixed nationalities from Turkey, Syria and Georgia, who had no supplies, wages or any information about whether or not they would be repatriated.

Ailton and his team went alongside the vessel to offer words of comfort, food and water to keep the crew going.

Seeing how much this small act of kindness touched the seafarers, and how much more help was needed, Ailton made a request to the local churches and community groups for further donations of food to pass onto the seafarers.

The local people were shocked to hear about the plight of the seafarers and have responded well. Ailton says: ‘By getting the community involved in this way, we can see that the sailors are understood, respected by the local people and treated as visitors to our city.’

Warm Welcome for abandoned creW

I left feeling very positive that the crew were putting the trauma of the event behind them

NewS from our port chaplaiNS arouNd the world

Life on the quayside

chaplains stopped at gunpoint in ukraine

port chaplains are sometimes exposed to dangers when working, because ports are industrial environments. But working

in a country at war brings even more hazards, as we recently found.

ukrainian port chaplains had been stopped at gunpoint by armed and masked men at a roadblock. one chaplain wrote that the bus of the local Christian orphanage had its tyres slashed and windows smashed, and the children on board were left terrified.

the country has been in turmoil since the explosion of violence between pro-ukrainian and separatist forces, but our port chaplains have continued their work throughout the crisis.

seafarers transiting the Black sea – the body of water bordering both Russia and ukraine – have been extremely anxious, fearing violence when ships make port, effectively trapping them on board even when they reach dry land. it is not surprising that they are afraid, given the devastation that has occurred.

as well as ministering to seafarers who come into the port of Mariupol, Victor dudnik works through his local church to bring aid and comfort to the local community, many of whom have links to the city’s maritime industry. the church has found a new purpose as a place of shelter from the conflict: 26 displaced families currently call it home. Many other families have

been taken in by members of the church and are living as guests in their homes.

Victor remains hopeful though. he writes of a community drawing together, even in the face of an uncertain future. he said: ‘Life goes on and we continue our ministry. your prayers and encouraging messages help us in this. God bless you.’

By getting the community involved, we can see that the sailors are understood and respected

Volunteer supports traumatised crewAt the beginning of 2015, Mike Chittenden, Sailors’ Society volunteer ship visitor in Portland, Dorset, received a phone call from the port authority to say that a crew member on board a cargo ship had taken his own life.

‘I visited the ship immediately,’ says Mike. ‘The cook had found his crewmate – the second engineer – who had hanged himself in the engine room. He had not appeared for

breakfast that morning so they had searched for him. The police were there, taking photos, notes and statements from the remaining five crew, who were naturally extremely upset.’

Mike did his very best to comfort and encourage the crew by listening and praying with them. After a couple of hours he left, assuring them that if there was any way the Society could help, we would.

Mike continued to visit the

crew to offer support and asked a fellow port chaplain to visit the seafarer’s wife and daughter at their home.

‘Weeks have now passed and although the crew are naturally still sad, they are getting on well with their lives and work.

‘After my last visit, I left feeling very positive that the crew were putting the trauma of the event behind them, although much prayer and support is still needed.’

working in a country that is at war can be a terrifying experience

ailton and his team pass food and water to crew members on the ship

C&Cspring15_pp13 Quayside.indd 13 25/02/2015 16:27

On 25 January, history was made when a father-and-son team led Sailors’ Society Southern Africa’s

annual dedication service. This important event in the life of the Society has been held in the Glenwood Presbyterian Church for more than 30 years, and was shared by Reverend Boet van Schalkwyk, chief executive of Sailors’ Society Southern Africa, and his son, Reverend Stephen van Schalkwyk.

During the sermon, Stephen reflected on some hair-raising memories of visiting seafarers on ships with his dad while he was a student, and on assignment at Rhodes University in Grahamstown.

At this service, chaplains serving in the Society,

as well as members, rededicate themselves to continue serving seafarers, and to making seafarers’ well-being their prime concern. Prayers were offered for Sailors’ Society, those who serve in the world’s merchant marine and shipping fleets, our ports, the South African Navy, the National Sea Rescue Institute, Natal Sharks Board, and their families. Two board members, Dr Leonora Jackson and Reverend Ron Burgess, did the Scripture readings.

A highlight was the participation of the South African Army Band, which added to the vibrant atmosphere with its skilful musical contribution. The Glenwood Presbyterian Choir completed the worship mix with their anthem and choral singing.

Terry Nobbs, chairman of International Sailors’ Society New Zealand (ISSNZ), has

welcomed news that the New Zealand government has agreed to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC2006).

Terry said: ‘ISSNZ participated in Seafarers’ Welfare Board approaches to government and in the Ministry of Transport’s consultation process in 2014, and strongly advocated ratification.’

MLC2006 is an international treaty adopted by the International Labour Organization. It came into force globally in August 2013, and Terry noted that: ‘[Ratification in NZ] has been a long, drawn-out process.’

The convention sets internationally agreed minimum standards to address the health, safety and welfare of seafarers, including social protection issues.

In other news, ISSNZ has welcomed Captain Michael Bullock as the newest member of Sailors’ Society Auckland Board of Trustees.

Captain Bullock (pictured) joins as a representative of the Auckland Baptist Association. A member of his local East Auckland church, Michael retired in September 2014 after a long period at sea.

After pre-sea training, at Warsash Maritime Academy in the UK, he sailed with the Shaw Savill Line before coming ashore at Auckland

in 1974. With his Master’s ticket he subsequently served with several shipping companies before his recent retirement, including Nauru Shipping, Maritime Carriers, New Zealand Shipping Company, Swire Shipping and Consort Express Shipping line.

In welcoming Michael to the Board, chairman Terry Nobbs said that his broad and recent seagoing experience would be extremely useful, and again thanked the Auckland Baptist Association for their steadfast support over the years. He reflected that we had been well served by previous Auckland Baptist Association representatives

– including Reverend Rod Hoggard, who retired in 2013 – and looked forward to the continuing association.

FATHER AND SON LEAD DEDICATION

New ZealaNd ratifies coNveNtioN

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVEA view Of The inTernATiOnAl SAilOrS’ SOcieTy

www.sailors-society.orgaround the world14

father and son reverend Boet van schalkwyk and reverend stephen van schalkwyk

New board member captain Michael Bullock

C&Cspring15_pp14.indd 14 26/02/2015 14:51

15OUR FAITHwww.sailors-society.org

SPIRITUAL SUPPORTFAITH IS BOTH A COMFORT AND PROTECTION FOR THOSE AT HOME AND AWAY AT SEA

THE HEALING POWER OF GOD’S LOVE

S ome nasty diseases have affl ict ed humans over the centuries. Leprosy is one of them and, if undiagnosed, it’s pretty debilitating. Numbness overtakes the extremities of the

body, which means that unnoticed wounds become infected, often leading to loss of function. In Biblical times, people with this disease were considered contagious and excluded from communit ies.

In Jesus Christ, God came into the world to show his inclusive love, which acts to break down every barrier and to include us in the heart of his community. He spoke out against prejudice, he showed compassion to the poor and he healed the sick.

Once, Jesus was en route from Galilee to Jerusalem (Luke 17:11-19). Outside a local village, he was met by a group of outcast leprosy sufferers. They kept their designated distance, but cried: ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’

Jesus simply told them to go and show themselves to the priests – priests could pronounce someone ceremonially clean after an illness, and declare them fi t to re-enter the community. Then the miracle happened . The Bible records: ‘And as they went, they were cleansed.’

However, that’s not the end of the narrative. One of them — just one — when he saw that he’d been cleansed, came back to thank Jesus, threw himself at his feet and loudly praised God. Signifi cantly, he was a Samaritan and, in Jesus’s time, Samaritans were despised by the Jews for having mixed with the surrounding nations. Jesus said: ‘Was no-one found to return

and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him: ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well,’ (V19).

As he recounts the story, Luke deliberately chooses two words: ‘cleansed’ and ‘well’. He was emphasising that Christ was not just someone who offers healing – he is the incarnate God who can bring human lives to their ultimate purpose and fulfi lment.

Jesus’s compassion is inclusive and unconditional. Sailors’ Society, through our worldwide network of chaplains, seeks, by the power of God’s Spirit, to emulate Jesus’ ministry. As you will read in this issue, we aim to bring ‘wellness’ to all seafarers, unconditionally.

Some may be satisfi ed to fi nd the cleansing/healing that the 10 people experienced. We do not proselytise. But Jesus was — and is — always prepared to say to someone who has bowed before his divinity : ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.’

My prayer for you in this season is that you might know God’s unconditional and inclusive love, and that we at Sailors’ Society might be able to accompany you on your journey of faith.

About the author Revd Mark Ashton Warner is Sailors’ Society’s Community Engagement Offi cer

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love – our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away.

Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

ROMANS 8:38-39

Be strong and courageous . Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

JOSHUA 1:9

The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me.

PSALM 28:7

Scripture quotations taken from NLT

PRAYER

Our free Sea Sunday 2015 Resource Pack contains all the materials you need to hold a Sea Sunday service, Sunday school class or community summer event.

Simply request your pack by contacting Hannah Willard at hwillard@sailors-society.org or visit www.sailors-society.org/seasunday

JOIN SAILORS’ SOCIETY IN CELEBRATING AND GIVING THANKS TO SEAFARERS

BY HOLDING YOUR OWN SEA SUNDAY SERVICE ON 12 JULY

C&Cspring15_pp15-16 Faith.indd 15 25/02/2015 16:29

SEASUNDAY

12 JULY 2015

90%090%0000

Registered Charity in England & Wales No. 237778

See www.sailors-society.org/seasunday for more information.

of everything comes by sea

For resources for your church contact: seasunday@sailors-society.org or call Hannah on 023 8051 5902

Celebrate the work of 1.5M merchant seafarers who bring us our goods.

Sea Sunday CC Ad.indd 1 04/02/2015 09:14C&Cspring15_pp15-16 Faith.indd 16 25/02/2015 16:29