Ever thought that a simple request - like a KFC fried chicken meal or a call home - could mean the world to someone at sea? For thousands of seafarers, it does. These are just some of the personal touches delivered by the Mission to Seafarers (MtS), a global charity dedicated to the welfare of those who keep our world moving.
In 2024 alone, MtS made a huge impact:
- 150,000+ visits to its centres
- 58,000 SIM cards distributed
- 43,200 ship visits reaching over 300,000 seafarers
There are over 1.89 million seafarers across the world made up of various nationalities, and they spend as many as nine months at a time far away from their family, friends and loved ones. This can often lead to loneliness and mental health issues, with limited access to internet onboard ships.
MtS operates in 200 ports across 50 countries, and provides practical, emotional, and spiritual support to seafarers of all ranks, nationalities, and faiths. Its 122 Flying Angel Centres offer safe havens for rest, recreation, and connection. This year, AET is partnering with MtS through the Sea of Voices: Empowering Women in Maritime campaign to shine a light on female seafarers, who make up just 2% of the workforce and often face unique challenges like discrimination, lack of safety, and unmet basic needs. “We are very grateful to AET for their support,” said Jan Webber (Director of Development).
Jan, together with Ed Pearce (Head, Corporate Development) and Nina Edy (Senior Marketing Manager), joined us in the Singapore office on 29 October (and also online later that evening to speak with colleagues in the Americas and Europe), to share powerful stories and ways to get involved - whether through corporate support or personal advocacy. “Follow us on our socials to stay connected,” encouraged Ed.
Nina struck a poignant point where she shared that seafarers did not have quick access to the modern conveniences many of us onshore had. “For the days I work at home, for example, I could just pop to the shops easily to get something. For seafarers, they were not able to do that.” The lack of shore leave was another area that seafarers had expressed concern about. It was also moving to hear how the Mission helped to connect a seafarer with the family when his child was critically ill and on life support, as well as avert a potential crisis onboard. They also shared stories of helping injured and abandoned crew.
Earlier in the week, we hosted the Mission’s Global Ambassadors meeting in Singapore, following Nick Potter’s appointment as Singapore Chair of the Global Ambassadors’ group.
Find out more about MtS at The Mission to Seafarers | Working In Over 200 Ports Worldwide
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