The Mission to Seafarers in Portland, Victoria | Non-profit organisation

The Mission to Seafarers

Locality: Portland, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 5523 1244

Address: 1 Anderson Wharf 3305 Portland, VIC, Australia

Website: https://www.missiontoseafarers.org

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• Non-profit organisation
• Charitable organisation
• Community organisation

25.01.2022 $460 dollars raised so far for our Seafarers welfare packs THANK YOU for your support!!!

25.01.2022 How will you celebrate #SeaSunday this year? Sea Sunday, held annually in July, is a time to pray for seafarers and support the work of the Mission to Seafarers... around the world. We have a range of resources available for your church or community group to use this Sea Sunday, including: - video sermon and kids talk - a video message from our Regional Director, Rev Canon Garry Dodd - kids activities - printable graphics, posters, and flyers. Please contact [email protected] or your local Mission to Seafarers branch for more information. Our centres: Mission to Seafarers, Eden Dampier Seafarers Centre Mission to Seafarers Brisbane Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla Mission to Seafarers - Sydney Bell Bay Seafarers Mission Tasmania Port Hedland Seafarers Centre Bunbury Mission to Seafarers Flying Angel Club Portland Australia Mission to Seafarers Darwin Mission to Seafarers Gladstone QLD Seachurch The Mission to Seafarers - Victoria Mission to Seafarers Newcastle Geraldton Mission to Seafarers Townsville: https://www.facebook.com/pg/missiontoseafarerstownsville/posts/?ref=page_internal Geelong: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Mission-to-Seafarers-Geelong-119634884783307 Hobart: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Mission-to-Seafarers-Hobart-Station-285838304876959 Albany: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Mission-To-Seafarers-Albany-1820142694880469 --- North West Anglicans WA @AnglicanArchbishopPerth @AnglicanDioceseBunbury Anglican Diocese of the Northern Territory The Anglican Diocese of Willochra Adelaide Anglicans Anglican Diocese of North Queensland @anglicanchurchcq.org.au Anglican Church Southern Queensland @TheAnglicanDioceseOfGrafton @stpeterscathedralarmidale @anglicandiocesebathurst @AnglicanDioceseOfNewcastleAustralia @AnglicanRiverinaDiocese Sydney Anglicans Anglican Diocese of Ballarat @The-Diocese-of-The-Murray-139301872905418 @Anglican-Diocese-of-Wangaratta-629745660434570

22.01.2022 Overnight we banned the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier TW Hamburg from Australian ports for 12 months for wage exploitation. We boarded the ship in Gladstone las...t Friday after receiving correspondence that seafarers onboard had expired employment agreements and requested repatriation. During the inspection, we were approached by seafarers who claimed they had been underpaid. The evidence we collected confirmed that crew were owed about $42,000. We also discovered that the quantity and quality of food provided was well below the standards required by the Maritime Labour Convention. The galley and fridges were filthy and the ship had very poor hygiene practices overall. The crew are now being repatriated after rightly refusing to continue working under such atrocious conditions. Since 2014 weve banned 16 ships from Australian ports, the majority for failing to pay seafarers their wages on time and in full. Earlier this week we banned Agia Sofia for this reason. Seafarers are making enormous sacrifices right now by being away for extended periods of time from their loved ones, just to keep critical global trade moving. We do not tolerate the exploitation of seafarers in our waters, and any ship that arrives in Australia under such conditions will be held accountable. Read more: http://ow.ly/kCqk50ALRa1

21.01.2022 IN HIGH TIDE OR IN LOW TIDE. ILL BE BY YOUR SIDE Follow My Account https://www.instagram.com/Flint___9

20.01.2022 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.

20.01.2022 Portland Mission is saddened by the very sad news about livestock 1 vessel, now missing off the coast of Japan. We are praying for the crew and families involved and for the entire livestock family of seafarers. Please reach out to one another and seek support if needed as you grieve the loss of family, work mates and loved ones.

20.01.2022 #SeafarersAreKeyWorkers and governments need to recognise them as such. #Crewrelief is not something that can be passed on to the next country, and the next. Co...untries need to step up to the occasion and support #seafarers and #crewchanges in their own backyards. Thank you to those countries with the foresight and compassion to take a lead on this critical economic and humanitarian issue. May more follow suit sooner rather than later. #OneTeam #OneWorld See the IMO link for more seafarer testimonies: http://www.imo.org//Pages/Testimonies-of-stranded-seafarer

19.01.2022 So heres some proof seafarers buy locally 2& 1/2 pallets of water delivered to ship today.

18.01.2022 While we wait for our donation link to be approved, direct deposits maybe made to Portland seafarers welfare account. Bendigo bank Portland branch BSB 633 000 Account 150620532 100% of funds will be used to make welfare packs.... Donations to this account are Deductible Gifts Recipients and 100% taxe deductible See more

17.01.2022 STATEMENT FROM THE CHAIR OF AUSTRALIAN MARINERS WELFARE SOCIETY - Mr David Parmeter Everyone of us is acutely aware of the terrible impact of the COVID-19 globa...l pandemic has had and is having on the lives and welfare of millions of people around the world. What is not so widely known in our communities is the effect of the pandemic on seafarers. Tens of thousands of seafarers have been marooned on vessels around the world unable to return home and re-join their families because of restrictions on travel and movement. This has resulted in an upsurge of mental health issues among seafarers and in particular there are disturbing reports of an increase in incidents of self-harm among ships crews. At the same time the ability of those charitable organisations that support seafarers to ameliorate these conditions has been compromised by restrictions on access to vessels and the movement of seafarers. While this is a global problem, it is compounded in Australia by conflicting policies implemented by state and territory governments. This is having an adverse impact on Australian seafarers undertaking crew changes who have to travel across state lines, and international seafarers scheduled to join and leave vessels in Australian ports. The situation has been well described by the relevant industry bodies, Maritime Industry Australia Limited (MIAL) and Shipping Australia limited (SAL). In a recent submission to a Joint Standing Committee Inquiry into the Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Australias Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade, MIAL wrote, in part: "Notwithstanding the fact that the COVID-19 global pandemic has presented circumstances not experienced before, the chaos that has arisen as a result of the state and territory governments acting independently and with little to no communication with industry to implement multiple and ever changing border closures has created immense hardship for employees and maritime businesses. These impacts go well beyond that which are necessary to manage the COVID risks and could have been avoided with a more coordinated and consistent approach that prioritised communication with affected industry. Australia requires a consistent, nation-wide policy on the movement of essential maritime workers between national and state/Territory borders as part of any policy development action to prepare for future events. The policy should be accompanied by protocols for dealing with the many circumstances that arise as a result, such as: Communication with affected industry Crew changes Ensuring access to medical care for injured seafarers (non-COVID) Dealing with a disease case on board (COVID) Many of these protocols have already been developed internationally, and by the more proactive Australian states, such as Queensland as the crisis has unfolded. The industry is very conservative in their risk management approach. Critical to this is addressing the visa system. Australias visa system is inflexible and has created many practical issues in relation to the ability of foreign seafarers to legally undertake their required 14 days quarantine upon entering Australia for the purpose of joining a ship. This has created a significant additional barrier to the ability for Australia, as a signatory to the Maritime Labour Convention, to do our bit and assist in the many urgently required crew changes". SAL has gone on the public record on behalf of its members and an extract of one of these statements is set out below: "There are solid reasons that state and territory governments should allow crew changes to take place in this country. These include: a compassionate obligation to alleviate human suffering; a desire to prevent personal injury, maritime accidents and subsequent environmental incidents; a need to protect the interests of the Australian population and its economy as a whole; a crucial need to keep international sea freight moving; simple reasons related to the everyday practicalities of shipping; Australia living up to its own self-imposed standards to live by the rule of the law and to honour our international legal obligations. Shipping Australia notes and applauds both the Federal Government and Maritime Safety Queensland for acting in Australias best interests by facilitating crew changes in a safe manner. We also call upon all other Australian governments to adhere to the National Protocols on crew changes as endorsed by the National Cabinet on 9 April". AMWS endorses the position adopted by the industry associations and joins everyone concerned about the welfare of seafarers by calling on Governments at all levels to take the necessary steps to prevent this unnecessary hardship and suffering. David Parmeter Chair, Australian Mariners Welfare Society

17.01.2022 Heres a little treat filmed a few months ago

16.01.2022 The centre maybe closed but we are still open for business. We are still supplying vessels with their needs, delivered by ships gangways. Optus recharge and SIM cards available. We are happy to purchase your personal shopping, what ever seafarers need, give me a call!!!! Ph 0408595241... Email [email protected] See more

16.01.2022 ANNOUNCEMENT! The donation page for our cause to help seafarers is now active and ready to receive any donations you can make Head over to GiveNow with this link, https://www.givenow.com.au/organisation/public/5150. Any donation would be appreciated, thank you!

15.01.2022 Just think for every one of the dots - there is anywhere between 10 to 40 people working on each #ship Green- #Cargo Red- #Tanker Orange- #Fishing Pink- #Crui...se Each has a #story of why they are #atsea - not every story has a smiling face like these #seafarers - #SHORELEAVENOW See more

15.01.2022 Please read on and let this sink in, how is this fair. 3 medical officers and 5 security guards (from Melbourne) to take 13 crew to motel for ship fumigation. Crew unable to leave their rooms for next 2 1/2 days. Security also staying in motel with 1 medical officer. Crew have been on ship for months.... 200+ boats from Melbourne fishing for tuna 1000,s ignore social distancing to protest and we treat our seafarers like criminals, its just not fair

15.01.2022 Its time for action and proper recognition for seafarers, says IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim in a heartfelt message ahead of the Day of the Seafarer. "Seafarers continue to deliver for all of us. Now, lets ensure that we deliver for them", Mr Lim said. #SeafarersAreKeyWorkers

15.01.2022 Stuck at sea, with home and family far away, the cruise ship crew members who have yet to be repatriated in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic are struggling wit...h being stranded and its taking a heavy toll. In recent weeks, there have been reports of onboard deaths and protests, confirmed by cruise lines. Read more in this report by CNN Health: cnn.it/2ZtUigr See more

13.01.2022 NOTICE! All our deliveries to ships gangways are CONTACT FREE We abide by Dept of Health protocols! As stated previously seafarers are very low risk. They are not allowed to leave their vessels, have been at sea for weeks and onboard vessels for months unable to return home even if their contract has ended.... This is a huge issue for crew that have had to extend their contracts due to COVID travel restrictions, meaning they have been on their vessel, in some instances, for over 12 months. See more

13.01.2022 RESTRICTIONS FOR DISEMBARKING MARITIME CREW Port of Portland continues to receive inquiries from the community relating to restrictions applying to maritime cre...w disembarking vessels during the COVID-19 crisis. The information distributed previously still applies. The Victorian Department of Health & Human Services have advised the Australian Border Force (ABF) that all maritime crew WILL adhere to the following restrictions: -Crew members will be required to undergo an additional 14 days of isolation commencing on arrival into Victoria. -These restrictions effectively prevent crew from taking shore leave in Victoria. -Visitors WILL NOT be permitted to board the vessel whilst in Victorian Ports. Due to this restriction ALL Maritime Crew must have approval from the Victorian Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) before crew will be permitted to sign off or disembark the vessel. If approval is given, the crew must travel directly to the airport or to a hotel to continue isolation. All crew will be required to complete isolation declaration cards. Further information, updates and advice is available at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

12.01.2022 An emotional message from a sailor to the world. #SeafarersMatter

11.01.2022 Over 8 months and counting. Around the country, our centres have consistently provided care packs and support services to crews locked on board their vessels th...roughout the pandemic. We spoke to a captain yesterday who said he's visited most of Australia's ports since starting his contract in September 2019. He was grateful for the loving care and support our centres have shown him and his crew. Thank you to every one who has continued to donate to these men and women who keep Australia running. #australialovesseafarers

10.01.2022 "Im the only one?" Eduardo Sareno asked his rescuers. Adrift at sea with only a life jacket, the sole survivor was plucked from turbulent seas yesterday after ...having been forced to abandon ship. Gulf Livestock 1 lost power after encountering Typhoon Maysak. Without power, the ship was vulnerable in the face of massive waves that capsized the vessel, which then sunk. A lifeboat was located, but it was empty. The vessel with its remaining 42 crew (inc. 2 Australians, 2 New Zealanders, and 38 Filipinos) and the 5,800 head of cattle being carried are yet to be located. Please pray for everyone involved in and affected by this tragedy. If you are a seafarer and need someone to talk to, please reach out to our chaplains who are available worldwide, 24/7 https://bit.ly/2wUd70j

10.01.2022 A big THANK YOU to the Portland community for the continuing support for our welfare packs for seafarers. I wish l could reply to you all individually but l don’t want to post names as l’m sure that l would miss someone. So please accept our thanks, for your donations of $$, beanie knitting, biscuits, clothing, tshirts, toiletries, toothpaste, shampoo, razors and other goods.... We have now delivered 650 packs, well over our initial target of 300 packs. Every pack has had a beautiful, colourful, hand knitted & warm beanie included, which is an amazing effort. We are continuing to make up packs and hope to do so until seafarers can once again visit the mission. Our new target is 1000 welfare packs by Christmas.

09.01.2022 After more than 20 months on board without leave, seafarers from the BRIO FAITH have finally been rescued and sent home by the Australian Maritime Safety Author...ity - AMSA. After inspecting the BRIO FAITH on Monday, AMSA officers ordered that the shipping company Tianjin Shun Xin Yuan Shipping Co LTD must arrange for the 9 Filipino and Chinese seafarers to be repatriated. However, the next day, the company's plans for the seafarers had 'fallen through' and instead AMSA received a request that the seafarers remain on board until the next port, Shanghai. AMSA refused this request and prohibited the ship from departing until the seafarers were allowed to return home. They are now travelling to Brisbane and from there will finally fly home to be reunited with their families. It should be every operator’s and owner’s highest priority to ensure the welfare of their seafarers, and safety of their operations is maintained. 20 months on board with no leave is completely unacceptable and will lead to increased risk of accidents. We will continue to enforce the Maritime Labour Convention, look after seafarers and ensure the safety of shipping. said Greg Witherall, AMSA Operations North Manager If you are a seafarer who would like to reach out for assistance, our worldwide network of chaplains are trained and prepared to support you pastorally and practically. We are able to facilitate communication with AMSA on your behalf and you may remain anonymous if necessary. Please reach out to us here, via our website, or call us on +61 2 4961 5007 MTS Chat to a Chaplain (available 24/7): https://static.zdassets.com/web_widget/latest/liveChat.html #australialovesseafarers #CrewChangeCrisis #COVID19 #SeafarersAreKeyWorkers https://www.amsa.gov.au//amsa-orders-cargo-ship-brio-faith

09.01.2022 Our friends at STELLA MARIS is celebrating 100 years of faithful service to seafarers. We would like to wish them a further 100 years and many more. For people reading this post that may not know who Stella Maris are.... They are a not for profit catholic organisation like Mission to seafarers, providing practical Christian care and love to seafarers around the world. Stella Maris also operate centres in collaboration with Mission to seafarers and Apostles if the sea and other like organisations. See more

07.01.2022 Today we celebrate #SeaSunday, dedicated to #seafarers. Pray for them and their families, and encourage every effort to protect and safeguard their human rights.... Here is the link to the global #Mission service. https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/sea-sunday Donate Here:https://missiontoseafarers.com.au/donate

06.01.2022 Yet another over $2000 crew order purchase locally & delivery to ship, along with our Welfare gift packs

05.01.2022 Thank you to all that have made a donation towards our care packs. Please read appreciation letter following.

05.01.2022 NOTICE If you have clicked on our page looking to donate towards seafarers welfare packs, l apologise that the link is not yet active. We are waiting for Givenow to approve our page. We greatly appreciate your understanding and all your support. Please like our page and you will receive an update when our donation page goes live.

05.01.2022 An update on our welfare packs for seafarers program. We have exceeded all our expectations to deliver 300 packs We have delivered over 500 and they have been gratefully received by all the seafarers. THANK YOU all for your continued support and donations of non perishable goods, $$$ and beanies. With the announcement of further Covid restrictions we will continue to make welfare packs into the future, according to the communities ongoing generosity and mission funds.... We are still receiving donations. If your able to donate $$ we will continue to purchase items for the packs, scroll through our page and click on the Give now link. If you have any items to donate please give me a call on 0408595241 Thanks in advance Neville See more

03.01.2022 This seafarer shares his experiences of anxiety and the benefits of having someone intervene at a point when he feels low. Being able to speak with someone that... can offer help and advice can help to ease the difficulties many seafarers experience while working at sea. #MHAW2020 #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek See more

03.01.2022 THANK YOU everyone for supporting our welfare packs for seafarers project. We have delivered almost 400 packs so far Thats over and above our target of 300.... Portland mission has spent over $5000, although our donation received has been low $1000 to buying items to place in packs. This includes our next order, which will make another 200 packs. If you see it in your heart to donate, PLEASE click on the link. https://www.givenow.com.au/organisation/public/5150

01.01.2022 Update on our Welfare packs!! 125 packs already delivered. Please see thank you note from seafarer below & please find it in your heart to donate: Thank you so much sir. We really appreciated your kindness in helping us! What you are doing really makes things for us seafarers much easier since all this things is hard to happen due to covid... From the rest of the crew we thank you! Donate link: https://www.givenow.com.au/organisation/public/5150

01.01.2022 "I'm the only one?" Eduardo Sareno asked his rescuers. Adrift at sea with only a life jacket, the sole survivor was plucked from turbulent seas yesterday after ...having been forced to abandon ship. Gulf Livestock 1 lost power after encountering Typhoon Maysak. Without power, the ship was vulnerable in the face of massive waves that capsized the vessel, which then sunk. A lifeboat was located, but it was empty. The vessel with its remaining 42 crew (inc. 2 Australians, 2 New Zealanders, and 38 Filipinos) and the 5,800 head of cattle being carried are yet to be located. Please pray for everyone involved in and affected by this tragedy. If you are a seafarer and need someone to talk to, please reach out to our chaplains who are available worldwide, 24/7 https://bit.ly/2wUd70j