The Mission to Seafarers Report - 2016
A happy seafarer wearing a new beanie and Richard Spence
There are three organisations, Anglican (The Mission to Seafarers), Roman Catholic (Apostleship of the Sea) and the Sailors’ Society with no denominational connections that comprise the Hawke’s Bay Seafarers Welfare Society which provide services/assistance to the seafarers.
Background
“Founded in 1856, today’s Mission to Seafarers offers emergency assistance, practical support, and a friendly welcome to crews in 260 ports around the world. Whether caring for victims of piracy or providing a lifeline to those abandoned in foreign ports, we are there for the globe’s 1.5 million merchant seafarers of all ranks, nationalities and beliefs.”
Centre Visitors
- From 01 July, 2015 to 09 June, 2016, there were 1,787 visitors
- From 09 to 14 June there were 59 visitors
- Projected visitors from 15 to 30 June will be 71
Ship Visits
Although more ships maybe entering ports the time the ships are in port is decreasing and therefore seafarers are unable to take advantage of reaching land. Around 600 ships visit Napier Port each year and Richard Spence has been able to visit from:-
- July, 2015 to December, 2015, 59 ships
- 01 January to 14 June, 2016, 40 ships and from
- 15 to 30 June, 2016, it is estimated that five ships will be visited
Mission work
Two years ago All Saints’ Church, in Taradale, instigated providing ditty bags for the seafarers. The ditty bags are filled with small articles of personal care and delivered to ships in port. Just before Easter, each year, items are purchased and parishioners “buy back” the items by means of donations. Richard and a volunteer take responsibility of delivering the ditty bags to ships that in port.
Another project that All Saints participates in is a “working bee” making woolly hats for the sailors. Soon to commence is a working bee knitting fingerless gloves for the sailors.
This report has been prepared by Richard Spence and Robyn Clayton, All Saints’, Taradale, representatives for The Mission to Seafarers, Hawke’s Bay.