Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla in Port Kembla, New South Wales | Community organisation

Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla

Locality: Port Kembla, New South Wales

Phone: +61 2 4274 6498

Address: Corner of Darcy Rd & Military Rd 2505 Port Kembla, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.mts.org.au/port-kembla

Likes: 1175

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• Non-profit organisation
• Charitable organisation
• Community organisation

25.01.2022 "Recently, the Illawarra community provided friendship packages for every crew and staff member of the Ruby Princess cruise ship, which was docked at Port Kembla in April. That generosity has now been extended to other seafarers on commercial vessels, with a community drive to knit beanies for sailors."

25.01.2022 Thousands of seafarers have been working during COVID to get goods around the globe but they still cannot disembark in ports so its great that local businesses... like Lo Stretto Pizza Bar Seafood and NSW Ports are working with Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla to get them some support on board. More great work from the Gong! See more

25.01.2022 MV Indigo Breeze, at berth 112 Port Kembla. David from the Mission to Seafarers with some very happy crew. The crew shared the care packages with a lottery at dinner that evening.

25.01.2022 MV Ruby Princess arrives in Manila (an update). https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=537165120526903&id=112152289453434

25.01.2022 Wonderful expression of gratitude from the Master & Crew of MV Belle Ocean. We are glad that we can be able to make a little difference at these strange COVID-19 days when all seafarers are stuck onboard. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

24.01.2022 I wanted to send a very special shout out in Parliament to Wollongong's Citizen of the Year, Chaplain John Kewa. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic Joh...n and the Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla brought together the Wollongong community, delivered pallets of supplies and support letters to stranded seafarers out in Port Kembla. John's service to his community, through his faith and his aid work, deserve our thanks for the work that they continue to do.

23.01.2022 We received a box full of beanies from Jan Kneeshaw from Pymble NSW with a letter, which partly reads: with the help of various people, I have now accumulated a box full of beanies that might be useful to send out to some of the ships in dock. We hope seafarers might enjoy them... Thank you Jan and friends. You will be glad to know that we are delivering the beanies as of today and seafarers greatly appreciate them.

23.01.2022 Latest news of the MV Maryam: John Kewa from Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla while supporting AMSA's decision says "the ban sends a loud and clear message throughout the world." "Australian maritime authorities have taken the unprecedented step of banning a flag-of-convenience ship from Australian waters for 36 months for "unbearable" conditions and "systemic" failures."

23.01.2022 A great occasion today with friends and comrades, as Chaplains from the Mission to Seafarers and the Stella Maris led the Service at Rookwood to commemorate the... members of the Merchant Navy who died in wartime and peacetime. Respect for those who paid the ultimate price to ensure our freedom (I toyed with the idea of using the parking advice) See more

22.01.2022 More socially distanced ship visiting in Tilbury port, where chaplain Frans has been delivering noodles, vitamins and other goodies gifted by the Indonesian Embassy If you need help with essentials or simply just a chat, find a chaplain at sailors-society.org/chaplains

21.01.2022 Ships make the world go!

21.01.2022 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zboLBgJmjiY

20.01.2022 #alkyonis The crew sharing the care package delivered by mission in port Kembla. The ship is sailing from port Kembla Saturday and heading to Queensland to load coal. Lookout the mission to seafarers Gladstone and Mackay.

19.01.2022 The Mission crew were delighted and honoured today, to have such a friendly visit from Capt. Phillip Holliday, CEO & Director of Port Authority NSW. We appreciate his visit and for his words of support and encouragement, and especially for his positive feedback for the leading role the Mission takes in advocating for seafarers welfare. Personal visits like this means heaps us. Thank you, Phillip.

19.01.2022 https://www.nswports.com.au//art/internationalseafarersday

19.01.2022 Even though it's not expected, it's occassionally nice to receive a heartwarming message of appreciation from seafarers, especially during these difficult (COVID) days when we are doing our best in reaching out to them with a brief visit and another box of care pack delivered today. Following is a 'thank you' message from Joshua Mendonis from MV Berlin Teader, docked at berth 202 Port Kembla

19.01.2022 Seafarers, we hear your voices. Our team is working around the clock to help you. Please find more details here and get in touch if you need: https://bit.ly/2Z5...0yZU IMO is also working with trade unions, seafarer welfare organizations, shipping industry representatives and other UN agencies to find solutions. #SeafarersAreKeyWorkers

17.01.2022 #oceanroad, at berth 111 port Kembla.

16.01.2022 #belleocean, wonderful to see the excitement, appreciation and happiness of the crew of the MV Belle Ocean today. The Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla continues to distribute care packages, a big thanks to John, Louise, and David for their continued efforts in preparing and ensuring that all ships are catered for. All of the crew here are from the Philippines.

16.01.2022 'When borders closed, seafarers on ships around the world suddenly had no way home. Half a year later, there’s no solution in sight.' Read the full The New York Times story on the crew change crisis, here: https://www.nytimes.com//coronavirus-sailors-cargo-ships.h

16.01.2022 Even though its not expected, its occassionally nice to receive a heartwarming message of appreciation from seafarers, especially during these difficult (COVID) days when we are doing our best in reaching out to them with a brief visit and another box of care pack delivered today. Following is a thank you message from Joshua Mendonis from MV Berlin Teader, docked at berth 202 Port Kembla

16.01.2022 "Beanies4Sailors" One practical way to show appreciation for Seafarers is to join a number of our volunteers who knit and deliver beanies every Winter period. Sailing on high seas during Winter can be freezing! Many thanks to Robyn from St Marks Anglican Church (West Wollongong) for delivering some today. Let us know if you are able to assist in reaching out to seafarers this Winter.

16.01.2022 #alkyonis Dave Bosanquet and Colin Booth deliver more care packages to the MV Alkyonis. Crew are from the Phillipines and Greece. This is the friendliest vessel I been on for some time. Smiles and a genuine appreciation of the visit and a chat.

15.01.2022 The MV Jag Anand at berth 111 port Kembla. Chief officer and crew very pleased to receive care packages from Mission. Sailed from Mauritania with iron ore.

13.01.2022 Thanks to Tim Hore from Bluescope Steel especially for his assistance in delivering 2 care packages to the crew of the MV SBI Perseus, at berth 112.

13.01.2022 Violent murder on board of MSC mega container ship in the Pacific A Filipino crew attacked another crew with knives on board of container ship MSC RAVENNA on Se...p 20, while the ship was under way in the Pacific, en route from China to Long Beach Los Angeles, USA, wrote Los Angeles Daily News. He stabbed his fellow seaman, also Filipino, 17 times, inflicting numerous wounds. His victim died from the wounds. Master of the ship persuaded attacker to surrender, he was locked in cabin, and arrested on ship’s arrival at Long Beach - Los Angeles, on Sep 22. On Sep 28 he was charged with murder, facing life sentence of death penalty. MSC RAVENNA left Los Angeles on Sep 28, bound for Oakland, USA. Comment: Was it just a tragic accident, result of feud between two fellow seamen, or was it, at least partially, caused by growing tension among crew members, due to crew change crisis? By the way, everybody is writing and talking about crew change crisis, but there isn’t much talk about freedom crisis basic human freedom to take a leave in port of call. Leaves in ports of call are, psychologically and physically, a must, if talking about crew health. Credit Fleetmon

12.01.2022 David Bosanquet and Colin Booth making a delivery to the Master of the MV African Bateleur at BlueScope berth 112 at Port Kembla.

12.01.2022 #tampa David Bosanquet and Colin Booth doing a delivery of a much appreciated care packages from the Mission in Port Kembla. The crew comprises of Romanian Master and Officers with the balance of the crew made up of Filipinos. We chatted about the current situation and that some crew have already extended their time on the ship beyond the usual contract time, despite best efforts by the master and owners they feel there is no opportunities to go home.

12.01.2022 https://www.bloomberg.com//2020-pandemic-shipping-labor-v/

12.01.2022 MV Heng Shan at Bluescope Steel berth 111, David Bosanquet with a smiling face delivering care packages to the ships crew. The crew were all from various cities and towns across China. The Captain remembered us from his last visit to Port Kembla some years ago.

12.01.2022 Australia needs to act on the crew change crisis, or face economic carnage. Tony Sheldon - Senator for NSW and Dean Summers, ITF Coordinator for Australia, met ...with some of the crew of the Unison Jasper, last week. They heard how some of the crew had been on board for more than 17 months, and what kind of pressure it puts on seafarers to be away from their families and homes (and even dry land) for that long. The ITF and our affiliates are calling for countries like Australia which rely on maritime trade for their economic survival, to show leadership. Stand up for crew change: Give seafarers the exemptions we need to get to and from ships NOW.

12.01.2022 Explosion aboard MV X-PRESS PEARL; crew evacuated

11.01.2022 #mounttroodos at berth 111, after a long voyage from Western Africa to port Kembla, the care packages were well received. Behind the masks they are smiling

10.01.2022 https://shippingaustralia.com.au/150000-seafarers-trapped-/

10.01.2022 #Luchow Dave meets an old friend on the mv Luchow, Swan Pye, the cook. Dave has stayed in touch via email. The crew unanimously assured us that his food is first class. Most for crew are from Myanmar and the Ukraine

10.01.2022 Seafarers are seriously concerned about exposure, viewing those who board their vessel as potential carriers, and [they] are apprehensive to get off, (Steve Finnesy)...

09.01.2022 The Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla wishes to acknowledge the many efforts and hard work put in behind-the-scenes by #MUA, #ITF, #AMSA, #Border_Force, #NSW_Health and other agencies' who made it possible for an excellent outcome.

08.01.2022 CAREPACKS FOR SEAFARERS IN PORTLAND Around 350 vessels bringing 7,000 seafarers come through the Port of Portland each year, with crew typically on contracts la...sting for nine months. Its a long time to be away from family and friends, with shore leave the only respite from the ship. Coronavirus restrictions have stopped sailors from leaving their vessels while in port, so now they have to stay on board the entire time, and with no crew changes due to international travel bans, many seafarers will be stuck well beyond their nine month contracts. The Portland branch of the Mission to Seafarers is proving to be a vital lifeline for these sailors while their ships are at the port. Neville Manson is the Manager of the local branch, and as he says since Covid and crews not leaving their ship weve been delivering goods to their gangways on request. We cannot see crews leaving the vessels anytime soon, and theyll fall into the category of international travel, so its going to be next year or later before theyll be allowed to leave their vessels again. Neville is looking to raise around $5,000 to create care packs to distribute to these seafarers containing toiletries, personal items, and locally sourced fresh fruit. Portland is also feeling the loss of the economic benefit from seafarers. They contribute to our community, theyre part of our community. Its estimated they spend around one million dollars locally each year. For more information about the work of the Mission to Seafarers and to donate towards their care packs, head to The Mission to Seafarers - Portland.

08.01.2022 They came, they packed, the conquered. For the last 2 days, staff from #MSQ Gladstone have been in the centre helping us to pack the next round of boxes for del...ivery to vessels berthing in Gladstone. The man power they have provided us has been priceless to get all the supplies bundled up and ready for delivery. It was even more impressive to see, some of them arriving not in uniforms and volunteering their time to help seafarers. Not only do they keep vessels in port moving safely, but they have a space in their hearts for seafarers also. #gladitude #MSQGladstone

07.01.2022 MV Christos, loading Coke at Bluescope Steel berth 112. The ships crew, who for most call the Ukraines port city of Odessa home. The crew appreciate the care packages prepared and delivered by the Mission in Port Kembla.

06.01.2022 A heartwarming 'thank you' note from the Master of MV Maryam after arriving home safely. Below message was sent to Ship's Agent, Elliott James of Monson Agencies Australia @ Port Kembla Branch. This note is a true testimony of how we can all work together to make some real difference in seafarers lives, especially during such distressing circumstances as it was on MV Maryam. ___________________________________________________ "Hi Dear Elliott, I and my crew have arrived at o...ur homes safely. I want to thank you all, PKCT, Mission to Seafarer, AMSA, ITF and Border Force. It is inexpressible what you have done for me and for my crew since first day [of detention]. We are grateful. Do not know how to thank you all. We had terrible days but you made it very easy for us by supporting us in very way. And we appreciate that we met you. Please convey my gratitude to everyone. Hope to meet you again." Best regards Capt. Polat SOYLU See more

06.01.2022 On behalf of the global family of The Mission to Seafarers, we wish to join so many across the world in paying tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh. We were honoure...d by his service as our President from 1955-1958 and for his active interest in our work outside this period. To all this, he brought his own seagoing experience and special empathy for those who work at sea. We are saddened by the news of his death and send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen, our Patron, to HRH The Princess Royal, our President, and to all the Royal Family. See more

03.01.2022 #hanyang, David Bosanquet instantly making new friends from the crew of the mv hanyang. Especially when you arrive with KFC and MacDonalds. The hanyang is discharging scrap steel at bluescope berth 113.

03.01.2022 https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=789305888267280&id=179578489240026&d=null&vh=e

02.01.2022 The campaign to secure the worlds seafarers the crew change they need from governments is growing as the clock counts down. From the Financial Times: The inte...rnational shipping industry has warned of a threat to global trade from a mounting crisis on board merchant vessels, with up to 400,000 crew stranded either at sea or at home by travel restrictions because of the Covid-19 pandemic. One German-owned tanker last week refused to sail unless replacement crew could be brought in, said industry executives and union representatives, amid concerns over rising fatigue and safety. The fear is that others will follow after June 16, when emergency extensions to the labour agreements governing seafarers contracts expire. Many crew have worked several months beyond their contracts, exceeding regulatory limits, and ship owners, unions and captains have sounded the alarm over safety. Its a ticking time-bomb, said Guy Platten, secretary-general of the International Chamber of Shipping, representing ship owners and operators. You cannot keep working people indefinitely. Some have been on their ship for more than a year. The longer this issue goes on the greater risk to the supply chain. [...] Steve Cotton, general secretary of the International Transport Workers Federation, said that after June 16 the labour agreement could no longer be extended to allow workers to remain at sea well beyond their contracts. We wont tell seafarers they have to stay on board. If they want off, we will assist them getting off.

02.01.2022 Its #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek! In the video below, our Secretary General Andrew Wright highlights how weve ensured that our global network of chaplains and frontline teams are ready to respond to any mental health-related problems seafarers my face while at sea. #MHAW2020

02.01.2022 https://www.scmp.com//prisoners-sea-stuck-board-cargo-ship

01.01.2022 Serious deficiencies related to equipment maintenance of the #MV_Maryam and appalling working and living conditions of the 23 crew forced AMSA to detain the vessel in Port Kembla for some 10 weeks now. We have been working extra hard to make things a bit bearable for the stranded crew since. Today, our Chaplains #David_Bosanquet and #John_Kewa organised a launch to visit the crew who are now at anchorage outside Port Kembla; they dropped off care packages and offer counselling but were also delighted to return with the first 2 of the 12 crew listed for repatriation. We wish #Tornike and #Koba a safe journey back home to Georgia. The expression of 'relief' on their faces were priceless! #MV_Maryam