NEWSLETTER OF THE AUSTRALIAN MARINERS’ WELFARE SOCIETY (ABN 86 000 008 122)
Founded 1863 as the Sydney Sailors’ Home. Volume 23. No 2. December 2024.
FINAL EDITION
THE CHAIR’S REPORT
Welcome to a very special edition of ‘The Mariners Lifeline’.
For a long time, the Australian Mariners Welfare Society has relied upon ‘The Mariners’ Lifeline’ to stay in contact with members and stakeholders. It has always been an important part of what we do at AMWS, that we are able to speak up on significant issues affecting the industry and especially the welfare of seafarers.
David Parmeter, Chair of the Australian Mariners Welfare Society
However as the Society has changed, the need for a formal hardcopy newsletter has declined. AMWS is now able to communicate quickly and efficiently through social media and our monthly electronic newsletter. As a result, the AMWS Council made the decision that our resources can be best utilised elsewhere, and accordingly the decision was made to cease publication of ‘The Mariners’ Lifeline’.
This is not to take anything away from the quality of the publication or the importance of the articles. As you can see from the attached supplement highlighting stories from the last few years, ‘The Mariners’ Lifeline’ has been packed with relevant and informative articles.
This final edition is no exception.
SEAFARERS’ WELFARE PAGE 2
PIRACY AT SEA PAGE4
AUSTRALIAN SEAFARERS’ WELFARE COUNCIL (ASWC) AND PORT WELFARE COMMITTEE (PWC) PAGE 6
On this farewell occasion, I want to thank everyone who has been involved with ‘The Mariners’ Lifeline’: editors, publishers, contributors and readers. I especially want to recognise the outstanding contribution of the outgoing editor, Martin Orchard. This final edition is testament to Martin’s skill and dedication. Finally, I wish all our readers and their families a Happy and Safe Christmas.
CHANGING OF THE GUARD ON THE AMWS SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE PAGE 7
THE AMWS TREVOR HAWORTH & JIM ISRAEL MEMORIAL AWARD PAGE8
CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS
SEAFARERS’ WELFARE PAGE 10
David Parmeter Chair
SEAFARERS’ WELFARE
Martin Orchard – AMWS Councillor & Editor
The Seafarers’ Happiness Index (SHI) is a quarterly survey conducted by the Mission to Seafarers’ (MtS), London, to gauge the sentiment of seafarers at sea. The survey asks seafarers of different ranks around the world, and serving on various types of vessels, ten key questions. Their anonymous answers provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing seafarers.
The ten key areas consistently covered by the survey are:
• General Happiness
• Connectivity
• Shore leave
• Wages
• Food
• Health
• Training
• Interaction
• Workload
• Welfare
Although this latest survey indicates that the ten key areas are trending positively, significant areas remain where improvement is still required.
The latest survey covering the 3rd quarter of 2024 shows a slight increase in seafarers’ general happiness whilst at sea, but they continue to highlight the need for improved support systems, recognition, respect and reward.
Some key concerns remain, namely:
• inadequate internet connectivity – limiting connections with family.
• limited shore leave – resulting in a feeling of isolation and overwork.
• wages – some seafarers feeling underpaid, and occasionally unpaid.
• food quality – positively noted, but more variety required.
• crew fatigue – although fitness facilities are available onboard, crews appear to give rest priority over exercise.
• training programmes – provide more relevance and practicality.
• more effective support from shore.
An unexpected result from the latest survey was the impact of longer transit routes. Some seafarers onboard vessels affected by avoiding the Red Sea because of hostilities in that area, and having to steam up the West Coast of Africa, resulting in an additional week to two week voyage, reported on positive benefits in terms of rest, recuperation and overall morale. The additional time at sea has enabled crew members to introduce a more structured daily routine and enabled them to become involved in leisure activities which are assisting to develop and maintain a high level of morale amongst the crew.
Although this latest survey indicates that the ten key areas are trending positively, significant areas remain where improvement is still required.
The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Networks (ISWAN):
ISWAN is an international maritime charity which works to improve the lives of seafarers and their families with services, resources and advocacy.
The last edition of ‘The Mariners’ Lifeline’, in June 2024, included an article on ISWAN’s annual Seminar which was held in Helsinki in November 2023. The theme of this Seminar was how the maritime industry was going to successfully recruit and retain skilled seafarers in a digital age, who will be needed to operate the decarbonised and automated vessels of the future.
Resulting from this Seminar, ISWAN has developed and introduced a global campaign ‘Safe at Sea……it takes all of us!’
ISWAN outlines their campaign’s objectives as follows:
“‘Safe at Sea… it takes all of us!‘ focuses on empowering male seafarers to act as allies in support of their women colleagues. The campaign provides practical guidance on addressing inappropriate behaviour and building strong support networks. These guides offer actionable steps for seafarers, senior officers, maritime employers, and stakeholders to foster a culture of allyship, especially between male and female crew members, and include concrete suggestions on “what to say and how to say it” when challenging inappropriate behaviour and how to restore a sense of safety in tense or high-pressure situations.”
‘Safe at Sea… it takes all of us!‘ focuses on empowering male seafarers to act as allies in support of their women colleagues.
The word ‘Allyship’ is a noun and is pronounced ‘AL-igh - ship’ and means:
‘The quality or practice of helping or supporting other people who are part of a group that is treated badly or unfairly, although you are not yourself a member of this group.
One of the most important ways to practise allyship is just to listen. Allyship means using your power, position, or privilege to uplift others.’
ISWAN has now produced two guides on this important subject; one for seafarers and another for maritime stakeholders. Both of these guides can be found on the ISWAN website.
The AMWS applauds the continuing efforts of the MtS and ISWAN, and other maritime-related organisations, in their efforts to recruit and retain seafarers by creating a safer environment in the global maritime industry
PIRACY AT SEA
Martin Orchard – AMWS Councillor & Editor
1. The Red Sea/Gulf of Aden
The Red Sea crisis commenced on 19th October, 2023, when the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen launched missiles and armed drones at Israel in reaction to the Israel-Hamas war.
Since 19th November, 2023, to the end of October 2024, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) is reporting that there has been 128 incidents of missile attacks, hi-jackings, or attempted hi-jackings, on merchant vessels in the Red Sea, particularly in the area of Bab-el-Mandeb which is a chokepoint between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Of these 128 attacks, the UKMTO reports that the types of merchant vessels attacked were:
• container vessels - 25%
• tankers - 36%
• bulk carriers - 34%
• ro-ro - 3%
• other - 2%
The ship-owners/charterers who are involved in the trade lanes between the
countries east of Suez and Europe have reconfigured their vessels’ schedules away from the Red Sea and Suez Canal, and are directing their vessels to steam around the Cape of Good Hope. This adjustment means that transit times have been lengthened and the time at sea for seafarers has been extended, resulting in additional voyage costs .
With no end in sight to this conflict, this transit pattern between these major trading blocs are likely to remain for the foreseeable future.
2. Report from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB)
The IMB is the specialised department of the International Chamber of Commerce with global responsibility for the fighting of crimes related to maritime trades and transportation.
The IMB highlights the fact that in the period January to September 2024, reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery fell to the lowest levels since 1994.
In their latest global report, the IMB highlights the fact that in the period January to September 2024, reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery fell to the lowest levels since 1994.
During this period in 2024, there were 79 incidents, compared to 99 incidents during the same period in 2023. Of the 79 incidents, 62 vessels were boarded, 6 were hi-jacked, 9 faced attempted hijacking and 2 were fired upon. In 86% of these incidents, perpetrators successfully gained access to the vessel with most incidents occurring at night.
Whilst the IMB commended governments and law enforcement agencies for their excellent work, they have warned that crew safety remains at risk.
3. Report from the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery (ReCAAP)
In line with the IMB report, above, in Asian waters, ReCAAP reports 68 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships (ARAS) during the period January to September 2024, compared to 84 incidents during the corresponding period in 2023.
This improvement occurred in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS), the Philippines, India, Thailand and Vietnam. However, incidents increased in the period January to September 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, in waters around Bangladesh and Indonesia.
Australia is a signatory to ReCAAP.
The AMWS continues to closely monitor the trends of piracy and armed robbery against ships, and the psychological effects these incidents have upon the crews involved.
AUSTRALIAN SEAFARERS’ WELFARE COUNCIL (ASWC) AND PORT WELFARE COMMITTEE (PWC)
Captain Tony Cousins, Deputy Chair AMWS
The ASWC meets three times a year, and the last meeting in 2024 of the Council was recently held in Canberra. These meetings bring together representatives from a wide range of maritime associations and industries, including:
• Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
• Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)
• Mission to Seafarers (MtS)
• Stella Maris
• Maritime Industry Australia Limited (MIAL)
• Shipping Australia (SAL)
• Ports Australia
• Rightship
• International Transport Federation (ITF)
• Tas Bull Foundation
• Hunterlink
• Australian Maritime Welfare Society (AMWS)
I have the responsibility of representing AMWS on this Council and the PWC. At this recent meeting, in addition to the above associations and industries, representatives from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and the Arts, the Fair Work Ombudsmen and New Zealand Maritime also attended.
The three main Agenda items were:
• AMSA’s co-sponsored proposal with Canada and UK to amend the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) to include provisions that address violence and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.
• An International Maritime Organisation (IMO)/International Safety Management Code (ISM) review which substantiates some of the safety issues for foreign flagged vessels coming into Australian waters. A particular area of concern identified in the study related to crewing shortfalls which are impacting the implementation of the ISM Code.
• Rightship’s work, together with the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI), to develop a Code of Conduct and crew welfare assessment tool that allows vessel operators to self-assess their performance in the crew welfare space above and beyond the minimum Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
Captain Tony Cousins
The key themes across all discussions covering the Agenda items were mental health, shore leave, collaboration and the perennial issue of welfare funding.
The ASWC meeting was followed by the Port Welfare Committee (PWC) national forum, an annual gathering whose Terms of Reference (TOR) have achieved traction in addressing gaps in certain Australian ports for appropriately structured PWCs that have enabled industry obligations, under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), to be met.
CHANGING OF THE GUARD ON THE AMWS SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE.
Llew Russell AM - AMWS Councillor & Chair of the Scholarship Committee
After sixteen years as Chair of the AMWS Scholarship Committee, I will be retiring as a Councillor after the November 2024 Council meeting, and will be passing the baton onto Martin Orchard who is currently the editor of this newsletter. Martin has been on the Council since 2018 and I am very confident that he be will an active and effective Chair of this Committee. I will remain a member of AMWS and be available to offer any assistance needed.
I
would like to thank current and more recent past members of the Committee for their encouragement, involvement and assistance.
I would like to thank current and more recent past members of the Committee for their encouragement, involvement and assistance, namely Captain Alan Tait (immediate past Chair of AMWS), Captain Tony Cousins and Captain Chris Green.
In September this year, Ethan, who is studying a Bachelor of Maritime Engineering (Specialisaton) (Honours) at AMC, was awarded a Malcolm Longstaff Memorial Scholarship for semester two. He is the son of an ex-seafarer and is of low or moderate financial means.
Ethan wrote that he was truly grateful to receive this Scholarship which will provide invaluable support as he focuses on his studies at AMC, and he was excited to explore the many opportunities it presented. He also appreciated the complimentary membership of AMWS while studying at the College. He mentioned he was intrigued to read the book on the History of the Sydney Sailors Home which he received, and to learn more about the long-standing contributions of the AMWS to seafarers and their families.
The Committee has agreed with the AMC to bring forward the previous application dates to enable students to apply well before the relevant semester begins.
The AMWS Council at its August 2024 meeting agreed to increase the value of the scholarships up to $3,500 per semester as from next year.
Only on very rare occasions have scholarship applications been received from students studying maritime courses at TAFE. However, recently I was invited to a TEAMS meeting comprising maritime instructors at various NSW TAFE colleges. It was chaired by Nicole Allen, Head Teacher, Maritime Studies, TAFE Digital. This was a great opportunity to publicise the availability of the AMWS scholarships, and it is hoped will result in many new applications. An application has already been received from Annabelle who will be studying at TAFE Digital to become a Master of Vessels up to 24 metres in near coastal waters. Annabelle was successful, and a scholarship was awarded to her.
For more information regarding these scholarships, readers are encouraged to visit the AMWS website www.marinerswelfare,com and click on “what we do”.
THE AMWS TREVOR HAWORTH & JIM ISRAEL MEMORIAL AWARDS
Captain Alan Tait OAM, Immediate Past AMWS Chair & Councillor
A most worthy scheme
In 2014, AMWS took a decision to donate annual awards to charity organisations that can provide young and disadvantaged youth the opportunity to participate in the Young Endeavour Sail Training Scheme.
The scheme is designed to increase self-awareness, develop teamwork skills, and create a strong sense of community responsibility.
STS ‘Young Endeavour II’.
Image: Birdon Pty Ltd.
Our decision was made in conjunction with the Sydney Cove Rotary Club, and the two Parties agreed that the Award should be in recognition and memory of Captain Trevor Haworth OAM who was a great supporter and benefactor to both organisations.
The Award proved so successful that in 2019, at the time of the passing of Jim Israel, a long-serving, dedicated chair of AMWS, a second Award, supported solely by AMWS, be introduced in his honour.
These men were very influential leaders of our industry in both tourism and trade during their working lives.
Over the last ten years, some fifteen sponsored boys and girls have completed the course which involves a 10-day voyage on the sail training vessel STS ‘Young Endeavour’ operated by the Royal Australian Navy.
It must be said the positive results are clearly visible by all concerned to those that benefit from this leg up in life.
As you can imagine, there is apprehension shown by the candidates at the time of joining the vessel. But this apprehension usually disappears during the course of the voyage, and is replaced by comradeship which is clearly evident upon the completion of the voyage. Benefits truly seen to be believed.
Among the Organisations we have supported to date are Stepping Stone House, the Salvation Army Youth Support, Taldumande and Anglicare.
The latest candidate for the Trevor Haworth Award is Lacy who departed the former submarine berth in Neutral Bay on Sydney Harbour in late November for a 9-day voyage to Newcastle.
It is our intention to continue with these very successful programs of help on this vessel, and her replacement, STS ‘Young Endeavour II’, whose keel was laid at the ship-yard of Birdon Pty Ltd in Port Macquarie NSW in July 2023, with expected delivery in 2025.
Both Captain Trevor Haworth and Jim Israel would be truly pleased.
Bill Little, Sydney Cove Rotary Club, Sheila, Steppingstone House, wishing Lacy ‘Bon Voyage’.
CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS SEAFARERS’ WELFARE
Martin Orchard - AMWS Councillor & Editor
The AMWS focus remains on the welfare of seafarers, whilst at sea or ashore, to ensure they can go about their task of ensuring the world trade is moved in a safe and efficient manner.
In addition, AMWS provides assistance and relief towards the welfare of past, present and future seafarers in Australia in the following ways:
• Provision of subsidised home-unit accommodation for ex-seafarers of modest means.
• Annual grants to the Mission to Seafarers and Apostleship of the Sea (Stella Maris) in recognition of their offering a ‘home way from home’ for visiting mariners at around 40 centres around the Australian coast.
• Project grants to assist with the upkeep and improvement to these centres including, but not limited to, IT facilities, storm damage, maintenance of the centres’ buses to transport visiting seafarers between their vessel and the local centre.
• Offering maritime scholarships to those studying to become qualified seafarers. Plus tall-ship training experience to young people aged 15-19 years who meet AMWS eligibility criteria.
• Representation on the Australian Seafarers’ Welfare Council whose role is to ensure the provision of appropriate welfare services for all seafarers visiting Australian ports.
• Membership of the Sydney and Newcastle Port Welfare Committees.
During the nine months from 1st January to 30th September, 2024, AMWS approved grants to the Mission to Seafarers (MtS) and Stella Maris totalling around $170,000 to contribute towards major cost items incurred at their various stations around the Australian coast.
In addition, AMWS approved around $32,000 in welfare payments to MtS and Stella Maris during this period as a contribution towards the costs of their communications networks and the maintenance of their buses.
AMWS’ WEBSITE
Stay in touch with the AMWS’ many ongoing activities by visiting the website: www.marinerswelfare.com or Facebook: www.facebook.com/marinerswelfareaus or ‘Australian Mariners Welfare Society’.
AMWS MEMBERSHIP – DECEMBER 2024
The Hon James Allsop AC
Captain Ian Anderson
Mr Karl Andersson
Mr Stuart Ballantyne
Mr Rodney Birdsall
Rev Philip Bradford
Mr John Brecht
Captain Amanda Brew
Mr Ross Brewer
Captain Robert Buchanan
Mr Ian Bulmer
Mr Alex Chisholm
Capt Hermant Chopra
Mr Howard Clark OAM
Mr Dean Cook
Captain Tony Cousins
Mr Stephen Curry
Dr Diana Day
Captain Kate Delisky
Captain Murray Doyle
Ms Jeanine Drummond
Captain Jonathan Drummond
Captain Frank D’Souza
Mr Bruce Dunbar
Mr Neil Edwards
Mr Toby Felmingham
Mr David Field
Mr Matthias Freeman-Lamb
Ms Jing Gandy
Ms R Getgood
Captain Edgar Gold AM
Mr Clive Goodwin
Mr Ian Gray
Captain Chris Green
Mr Jeffrey Hawkins
Captain Peter Hay
Mr Anthony Highfield
Mr Shane Hobday
Mr Shaun Holzheimer
Mr Timothy Hooper
Mr Robert Iversen
Mr David James OAM
Mr Peter Jones
Miss Vannessa Kachigunda
Captain Thomas Kelly
Mrs Wendy King
Captain Mick Lehmann
Mr Graham Lightfoot AM
Mr Cameron Livingstone
Mr Paul McGrath
Mr Geoff McIntyre
Mr Michael Moorhead
Captain Mario Murzello
Captain George Nahapiet
Mr Ross Nicholls
Captain Luke Nye
Mr Joshua O’Brien
Mr Martin Orchard
Mr David Parmeter
Captain Timmy Pavri
Mr Reg Pieper
Captain Richard Pocock
Captain Adam Roberts
Mr Llew Russell AM
Mr Conrad Saldanha
Mr Peter Scott
Mrs Margaret Smith
Mr John Spurrett
Captain Iain Steverson
Mr Dean Summers
Captain Alan Tait OAM
Mr Michael Taman
Mr Jordan Tofler
Mr Andrew Walker
Mr Geoff Walls
Dr Jacqueline Watts
Captain Aaron Wild
League of Ancient Mariners (LoAM)
Maritime Industry Australia Ltd
Offshore Shipping Specialists Australia Ltd
Shipping Australia Ltd
Secretariat: Pringle Moriarty & Co, PO Box 3058, Rosemeadow, NSW 2560. Tel: 0418 488 163 (within Australia) or +61 4 18488 163 (outside Australia). Email: secretaryamws@gmail.com. Web: www.marinerswelfare.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/marinerswelfareaus or “Australian Mariners Welfare Society”.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE DECEMBER 2024 EDITION OF ‘THE MARINERS’ LIFELINE’
As this is the last edition of ‘The Mariners’ Lifeline’, it was felt that it would be appropriate to include a supplement containing a few edited articles that have appeared in this newsletter over the past ten years, 2013 to 2023, with the exception of 2017 when no issues were published.
If you wish to view a complete version of any of these articles, or a complete edition of the newsletter, then go to the AMWS website and click onto ‘Mariners Lifeline’ and select ‘Newsletter Archive’, then choose the year in which the article or newsletter appeared.
When viewing this supplement, I am sure you will be impressed with the diverse range of maritime subjects and issues that AMWS is involved in, and will continue to be involved in the years ahead.
Martin Orchard Sydney December 2024
2013
A chaplain goes to sea
The Reverend Garry Dodd, Senior Chaplain for the Mission to Seafarers (MtS) Newcastle reports the centre welcomed 10,787 seafarers through its doors last year, a 55% increase over 2011 and a growth of 271% since 2009. As a result, the entire property is about to be redeveloped as a modern facility to be able to cope with ever growing demand, with the port expected by 2017 to double the tonnage it currently handles. In his ministry Garry, in a bid to deepen his own awareness and understanding of what it is like to work, eat and sleep, 24/7 with 24 other crew members, wanted to experience something of a seafarer’s life. This led him to spend three weeks as a crew member of the Hong Kongflagged, 16,860 dwt bulk carrier mv Ma Cho, sailing from Melbourne to Lae (PNG) with a cargo of bulk wheat.
New home for MtS Sydney
Seafarers aboard ships visiting Sydney Harbour and Port Botany are now enjoying the new facilities recently opened by the Mission to Seafarers at 24 Hickson Road, Millers Point in The Rocks area near Circular Quay. The move came after 27 years of operations at their previous home in Sussex Street in the CBD.
It also recalls that it occupied its first actual home in 1895 in The Rocks when it moved in to 100 George Street North, where it remained for 80 years. Before that, however, others were doing work in its name.
Refurbished Newcastle Seafarers Centre commissioned
The anticipated doubling of shipping activity in the Port of Newcastle over the next four years has prompted the Newcastle Seafarers Centre at Wickham to significantly redevelop and expand its facilities.
Last year, the centre welcomed over 10,000 visitors and this figure can only grow markedly in the next few years given the expected growth of shipping in the port.
The Hannell Street property has been welcoming mariners of all nationalities and faiths for nearly 70 years and for the past decade has been operated jointly by the Mission to Seafarers and the Apostleship of the Sea (Stella Maris).
Maritime Labour Convention now in force
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) is an international convention developed under the International Labour Organization. It consolidates a number of existing labour conventions, while introducing modern standards relating to the working and living conditions of seafarers at sea. Over 90 per cent of the world’s trade is moved by ships in a truly international industry which should be regulated as such.
Australia is a signatory to the MLC which entered into force internationally on 20 August 2013. Australia already has a good reputation for the treatment of seafarers so compliance and implementation meant adjusting current law and practice to fit with our international obligations.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has been designated by the Federal government with responsibility for the discharging Australia’s obligations as a signatory to the Convention.
mv Ma Cho outward bound (Photo courtesy MarineTraffic.com)
The communications room at the Mission where seafarers are able to contact family and friends is usually busy. A grant from the Society enabled these facilities in the new premises to be upgraded.
External view of the Seafarers’ Centre, Newcastle.
Sister Mary Leahy OAM, Sydney Port Chaplain for the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) recently received an additional appointment as its Regional Co-ordinator for Oceania. In that capacity she travelled to Rome with other Co-ordinators for a conference at the Vatican with superiors from the Pontifical Council. At the end of the meeting, the participants attended the Papal audience in St. Peter’s Square where, during his Address, Pope Francis made special reference to seafarers, reminding those who minister to them to be their voice ashore. With another conference delegate, Sister Mary was chosen to meet Pope Francis which gave her the opportunity to present him with a symbol of the work of AOS, a hi-visibility safety vest carrying the message ‘Supporting Seafarers Worldwide’.
Vale Captain Trevor Haworth AM
Captain Trevor Haworth AM, Master Mariner, passed away on 1 March, aged 82. His life was one of pioneering vision, great courage, adventure and achievement in building the iconic international business Captain Cook Cruises and active involvement in shaping the tourism industry in Australia. He was also a committed supporter of many charitable works and a valued and generous supporter of our Society and its work.
Celebrations planned for SSH 150th anniversary
On 1 February 1865, the following advertisement appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald:
As we approach the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Sydney Sailors’ Home, the Council is undertaking a number of activities to mark this important milestone:
Earlier this year, Council approved a minor redesign of the Society’s logo to reflect the adoption of our current name which followed closure of the Home after the building’s compulsory resumption by the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority in 1979.
The steering wheel motif is unchanged and reflects the symbol which still features prominently on the George Street North facade of the building; also, the letters SSH have been replaced by AMWS. The date 1863 records the date the Sydney Sailors’ Home was registered as a corporate entity, its object being to build the Home, construction of which took two years leading to its eventual opening in February 1865.
Sister Mary meets the Pope
Captain Trevor Haworth AM
Australian Lighthouses – an important centenary celebrated
The lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin (WA) built in 1895/1896, is the tallest lighthouse in Australia.
A century of Commonwealth management of lighthouses has been commemorated with a stamp collection, two minted coins, lighthouse open days and a gathering of former lighthouse keepers. Australia’s coastline is dotted by more than 300 lights managed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) along with some 200 other navigation aids around Australia’s coastline.
The first lighthouse was a simple iron basket on a tripod at the heads of Sydney Harbour, built in 1794. The lighthouse network is made up of a variety of imposing structures that are just as important to the safety of those on the sea as they were 100 years ago. Special $1 and $5 coins are available from the Royal Australian Mint and a commemorative stamp series has been released by Australia Post.
SSH 150th Anniversary
Year 2015 began on 2 February with a most successful celebration of the 150th anniversary of the commissioning of the Sydney Sailors’ Home, held in the building which first opened its doors on 1 February 1865 and where it operated for the next 114 years. The heritage-listed building is now tenanted by the Sailors Thai Restaurant and the Billich Art Gallery and appreciation is extended to both for their support for our celebration, with the former allowing us to hold a special meeting of our Councillors in their dining area and the latter providing the venue for the subsequent informal midday reception.
AMWS flag flies at Maritime Exposition in Sydney
The Society mounted a display at PACIFIC2015, the ninth biennial Pacific International Maritime Exposition held at the Sydney Exhibition Centre at Glebe Island in Sydney from 6-8 October. The event was also the centrepiece of Australia’s ‘Navy Week’ celebrations.
The only comprehensive international exhibition of its kind in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, PACIFIC2015 provided an avenue for commercial maritime and naval defence industries to promote their capabilities to decision-makers from around the world. Our involvement provided an opportunity to remind participants of the contribution made by seafarers to the world’s seaborne trade.
Llew Russell AM on duty at the AMWS display at Pacific2015.
Arrangements for our exhibit were co-ordinated by AMWS Councillor Llew Russell AM assisted by other Councillors who shared duties in manning the display over the three days, along with Sister Mary Leahy OAM (Apostleship of the Sea) and Rev Ian Porter (Mission to Seafarers Sydney.)
Visitors were briefed about the work of AMWS while new members were recruited and copies of our history were also on sale.
Cruise market expanding
Cruise ship calls at Australian ports by members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia in the six months ending 30 April are expected to number 642, a rise of nearly 10% on the same period last year.
The number of round trip cruises being operated Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle also escalated to 253, compared with 202 such cruises the previous year.
A feature of operations was the significant increase in calls being made at regional ports such as Busselton, Eden, Esperance, Albany, Port Hedland and Geelong which also benefited regional tourism.
Sydney, which is included in the itineraries of many of these voyages, continues to experience lack of suitable berths for cruise ships and it is now necessary on occasions for some liners to remain at anchor in the harbour with passengers being ferried to and from the shore by tender. This was highlighted recently with Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth having to move from the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Sydney Cove to Athol Buoy near Mosman to make way for Queen Mary 2 to berth there. There are also reportedly some potential challenges faced by operators of cruise ships based in Australia year round arising from declining local dry-docking capacity.
Ms Kimberley Karlshoej, Head of the International Transport Federation Seafarers Trust, London was a special guest at the 150th anniversary reception held at the Sydney Sailors’ Home building. She is seen here with Captain Alan Tait OAM, Chairman of the Society.
Queen Mary 2, outward bound from Sydney on 12 March passes Queen Elizabeth which also departed shortly afterwards.
[Photograph by courtesy Russell Cooke]
Captain Trevor Haworth Memorial Scholarship winner goes to sea
Lieutenant Commander Gavin Dawe OAM, RAN, Commanding Officer, STS Young Endeavour, presents Johnny with his voyage certificate.
This scholarship is a joint project of the Society and the Rotary Club of Sydney Cove and honours the outstanding service given to both organisations by the late Captain Trevor Haworth AM, founder of Captain Cook Cruises.
The award takes the form of a sponsored deep-sea voyage as a youth crew member in the sail training ship Young Endeavour. Recipients are chosen from young people whose circumstances are such that they would otherwise not have the opportunity to experience an environment that focuses on the importance of teamwork while building an individual’s self-confidence and leadership skills.
Interpreter plaque for Sydney Sailors’ Home building
As reported in last issue of the newsletter, arrangements have been made with the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, as manager of the Sydney Sailors’ Home building, for an interpretive plaque to be inlaid into the footpath adjacent to the main entrance giving a brief historical background of the Home. Set in laminated glass, the plaque measures approximately 150cm (5ft) x 25cm (10”). The left hand panel includes a brief outline of the Home’s history from 18651979. The other panel makes reference to the fund-raising picnic in aid of the Home held in 1868 at Clontarf Park on Sydney Harbour where an unsuccessful attempt was made to assassinate HRH Prince Alfred, second son of Queen Victoria, who was making the first official visit to Australia by a member of the British Royal family. Similar plaques nearby in George Street are already in place, one at the Old Post Office building and the other at the former ambulance station. Appreciation is extended to SHFA for their collaboration with us in this joint project.
Society’s website redesigned
In recent months the Society’s website has been completely redesigned and is expected to be on-line early in the New Year. The address of the site remains at www.marinerswelfare.com.au.
This project has been co-ordinated by Council member Captain Chris Green, working with a subcommittee comprising Captain Alan Tait as Chairman, Graham Lightfoot and Malcolm Longstaff.
The content of the revamped site will be easier to navigate and highlight the Society’s current activities and plans, supported by a series of images and film clips which will catch the eye of visitors to the site.
Our program of grants to seafarers’ welfare organisations, maritime-related scholarship opportunities, new membership promotion and our active participation in the Government-convened Australian Seafarers Welfare Council will feature prominently.
Separate sections will also cover the historical background of the Society and its origins, backed by images tracing the history of the organisation dating from 1863 when the company was formed to raise funds to build the Sydney Sailors’ Home which was completed and opened in 1865.
Copies of media releases and an archive of our newsletters will also be accessible.
Is there a future for seafarer centres?
This was the question posed by Roger Harris, Executive Director of the International Seafarers Welfare Association Network (ISWAN) in an article in the December 2015 issue of their newsletter.
He looked at the future of seafarer centres and provided some thoughts about how they might survive and thrive.
The complete article may be seen on the ISWAN website at www.seafarerswelfare.org.
Carnival Australia working to achieve gender balance in seafaring careers
Ian Ackerman reports in the Daily Cargo News of 21st June, 2018, the Nautical Institute’s Women in Maritime luncheon held on P&O Cruises’ Pacific Explorer showcased P&O’s mentoring program that provides opportunities for young people, including many women, to pursue careers at sea.
The six, pictured above with Pacific Explorer’s hotel director Melissa Yates (centre), are (left to right) Hilary Cassano, Laura Abbruzetti, Rachel Davies, Lauren Brunton, Bryony Rodger and Emma Forbes-Gearey.
All have previous experience on cargo ships, bulk carriers or offshore rigs and are now participating in a program to ensure more women have opportunities to take their place as professional mariners.
They are being supported onboard Pacific Explorer by Ms Yates, the daughter of a recently retired ship captain, who worked her way through the hotel operations ranks to her current senior position.
With women comprising only 2% of the world’s seafarers, according to the Nautical Institute, the organisation is trying to raise awareness of the need to achieve greater gender balance by addressing barriers that can discourage women from seeking careers at sea.
James E. Isreal
VALE James (Jim) E. Israel
It is with regret that we record the death of long-serving Councillor and esteemed past President, James (Jim) E. Israel. In total, Jim spent 25 years on the Council of Sydney Sailors home which later became The Australian Mariners Welfare Society. His term of office as Chairman began in 1991 and concluded in 2001.
A Letter from a recipient of an AMWS Scholarship
A u stralian-born Denise Anderson, having spent twenty-five years living in the American State of Maine, decided to return to Australia and settle in Tasmania where she studied for the MAR30913 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24m Near Coastal) and the Certificate III course in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 NC).
In her last ten years in Maine, Denise was employed as a commercial lobster fisherwoman, and for seven of those years she was Captain, owner and operator of a 12-metre Maine-built lobster boat. In 2014, she attained her US Coast Guard Masters for 50 gross tons License, and obtained her Master Mariner Credentials. And when she wasn’t catching lobsters off the coast of Maine, Denise obtained her Heavy Combination Commercial truck license which enabled her to drive semi-truck tankers in the offseason.
The AMWS is delighted to have played a small part in enabling Denise to settle back in Australia, and was most touched to receive her letter which Denise has kindly agreed to be published in ‘The Mariners’ Lifeline’.
Seafarers lost in war remembered
The 29th Annual Commem oration service in Canberra honouring members of the Merchant Navy lost in war was held at the National Merchant Navy War Memorial in Kings Park on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin on 21 October.
This event is organised by the Merchant Navy War Memorial Fund, led by Mr David Field FAICD its Chairman, who addressed the gathering.
He announced plans for a fund-raising appeal to enhance the Memorial by having inscribed on its panels the names of the hundreds of Australian Merchant Navy personnel who lost their lives through enemy action in WW1 and WW2.
Denise Anderson with one of her catches
Merchant Navy War Memorial, Canberra.
Collin Acton RAN, Principal Chaplain to the Royal Australian Navy
2019
AMWS Councillors ‘Out and About’!
AMWS Councillor Tony Cousins and ‘Windeward Bound’ Director Chris Bennett at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival.
AMWS Councillor Tony Cousins and Hobart Mission To Seafarers volunteer Capt. Dion Dillon on the iconic Hobart waterfront.
AMWS Chairman Alan Tait (right) and Deputy Chairman, Graham Lightfoot (left) with Ti-anna on ‘Young Endeavour’ in Sydney Harbour.
Ti-anna is the first recipient of the James Israel Memorial Scholarship.
AMWS Councillor Martin Orchard (left) and Deputy Chairman Graham Lightfoot (right) with Carol Shannon, CEO Leeuwin Ocean Adventures, on board ‘Leeuwin ll’ in the Port of Fremantle.
AMWS Chairman inducted into the Daily Cargo News’ (DCN) 2018 Hall of Fame.
Graham received the 2018 ‘Highly Commended Seafarers Welfare Award’ on behalf of AMWS. Everybody associated with the AMWS congratulate Alan on his outstanding achievement.
The Hall of Fame 2018 Inductee, Captain Alan Tait, AMWS’ Chairman, with Holman Fenwick & Willan’s Managing Partner, Gavin Vallely (left) and Graham Lightfoot, AMWS’ Deputy Chairman (right).
‘Images from the Port’.
A Photographic Exhibition paying tribute to merchant mariners and the Work of the Mission to Seafarers.
“It potentially stands as an artistic and historical document”.
(Roman Balla, Photographer)
‘Images from the Port’ is an alternative, yet exciting medium intended to engage with the wider community in the Illawarra and beyond, exploring the ‘hidden world’ of merchant seafarers and the work of the Mission to Seafarers (The Mission) in Port Kembla over the last 77 years!
The Merchant Navy 30th Annual Commemoration 20th October, 2019.
On 20th October, political leaders and representatives from the Australian maritime industry, union and industry groups attended the 30th Annual Commemoration held at the re-vamped National Merchant Navy War Memorial on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra.
The Defence Minister, Senator Linda Reynolds, unveiled the new and remedial works at the Memorial, and welcomed the descendants and elderly mariners, and their supporters, and said “Today we pay tribute to those men, and their families. We honour their courage, bravery, service and sacrifice. I congratulate the Board of the Merchant Navy War Memorial Fund and the National Capital Authority on your cooperation in completing this meaningful work.”
The Australian Mariners’ Welfare Society feels honoured to have contributed to the new and remedial works at the Memorial, and congratulate David Field, Chairman of The Merchant Navy War Memorial Fund (MNWMF) Pty Ltd, Stan Moriaty – Secretary, and the Board Members for their tireless efforts in bringing this project to fruition.
2020
This year saw the end of the printed newsletter and start of the digital newsletter.
Reflections of a retiring Chairman
My link with the Society began 28 years ago when Captain Paddy Rahilly, then Marine Superintendent of Howard Smith Industries, persuaded me to join what was then the Sydney Sailors Home. I was already an active Rotarian and much involved with my work in the shipping industry, which had kept me occupied serving at sea and ashore for 40 years.
Thus, I needed at that stage to reflect on what might lie ahead in my working life having up to then given little thought as to where my future might lie. It was not long before I realised just how little I knew about the industry and more particularly about those in senior positions who made it all work.
The Sydney Sailors Home history records the service of these men, many of whom sat on the Council of the Home and became friends and mentors from whom I learned much.
When asked to take over as Chairman in 2005 I did so believing that my tenure should be a maximum of five years. At that time the Society had only recently changed its name to the Australian Mariners Welfare Society; this had occurred under the chairmanship of John Hunter and Jim Israel and with the valuable advice and guidance of John Bowen, for many years our Honorary Solicitor.
David Parmeter, Chairman of the Australian Mariners Welfare Society
Profile: David Parmeter
I was born in 1958 and grew up in suburban Sydney. I attended St Patrick’s College Strathfield and completed a Commerce Degree majoring in Industrial Relations at the University of New South Wales. After finishing my degree I was recruited by BHP as part of their graduate recruitment program, and sent to the Port Kembla Steelworks. This was something of a baptism of fire for a young Industrial Relations Officer, as the steelworks at that time had a very large workforce and a volatile industrial culture –which is a polite way of saying there were a lot of strikes! It was a great learning experience and I very much enjoyed my time in Wollongong. However I did want to expand my horizons and in 1984 joined the IR department of the Australian National Line. This started my involvement in shipping and maritime and for the rest of my working life I stayed in this industry.
The Coronavirus and the Maritime Industry
The spread of the hidden and insidious tentacles of the Coronavirus has shocked the world by its swiftness and virility. It has stopped countries in their tracks from living their normal lives, and has forced much of the world’s community into a lifestyle that hasn’t been seen since World War II. In addition, the world’s finance and commodity markets have been detrimentally affected to such an extent that the phrase ‘global recession’ is being regularly expressed. Even the word ‘depression’ is being uttered by some commentators. As a result of this scenario, world trade has seen significant volume withdrawals as the supply and demand chains have suddenly been turned on their heads.
The ‘Merchant
Navy’ Class Locomotives of the Southern Region of British Railways
A total of 30 steam locomotives of the ‘Merchant Navy’ class were built between 1941-1949 to service the Southern Region of the British Rail network between the London rail termini of Victoria and Waterloo Stations and the South Coast towns of Dover, Folkestone, Southampton, Exeter, Bournemouth and Weymouth.
Initially, the construction of the ‘Merchant Navy’ class was used as a successful publicity exercise by the Southern Region to highlight the names of the Merchant Navy shipping lines that were serviced by Southampton Docks. But the locomotives’ names were later regarded as a memorial to the Merchant Navy’s seamen who fought at sea during World War II to keep Britain supplied with essential goods, particularly during the Battle of the Atlantic against the German U-boat menace.
A Pilot in the Port of Newcastle
In December 1977, I gained a Cadetship with Eastern & Australian Steamship Company. During my cadetship I had oppo rtunities, as an exchange cadet, to sail on a few Howard Smith ships. After two and a half years, I completed my 2nd Mates and applied to Howard Smith Shipping for a position of Deck Officer. Former AMWS Chairman, Captain Alan Tait, interviewed me and after a few minutes said ‘Well, you’ve got a job with us’! I joined their new ship Howard Smith on the Sydney to Ube (Japan) run. During my 14 years, I rose through the ranks to Master. My first command was Era, a 95,000 tanker on coastal and overseas voyages.
Captain Alan Tait, OAM
‘Merchant Navy’ class ‘Clan Line’
Ian Sneddon.
2021
COVID-19: The continuing plight of seafarers
As reported in last June’s edition of ‘The Mariners Lifeline’, earlier this year the AMWS became a signatory to the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change. There are now 850 signatories to this Declaration world-wide.
The Declaration urges the implementation of four main actions to address the humanitarian crisis caused by Covid-19:
• Recognise seafarers as key workers and give them priority access to Covid-19 vaccines.
• Establish and implement gold standard health protocols based on existing best practice.
• Increase collaboration between ship operators and charterers to facilitate crew changes.
• Ensure air connectivity between key maritime hubs for seafarers. The Neptune Declaration Crew Change Indicator, which provides a monthly measure of the percentage of seafarers onboard beyond the expiry of their contracts, and the percentage of seafarers onboard for over 11 months, shows a decreasing trend in both measurements in recent months.
Our dear friend,
Profile: Captain Jeanine Drummond
All this seems a long way from 1995, when as a slightly, (let’s be honest!), completely naive 18-year old deck officer cadet I joined my first ship, the Australian National Line’s (ANL) container ship, Australian Venture. I joined in Botany Bay to embark on a three month voyage, circumnavigating the world between Australia and Europe. I remember the excitement and nerves as if it were yesterday, as I looked forward to the travel and adventure this career at sea was sure to deliver.
Nothing could have prepared me for the stark reality that this world was miles from anything I knew as familiar. The walls and bins had funny names like ‘bulkheads’ and ‘rosy’s’; there was the Kiwi coast; there were traditions and hierarchy to be learnt all before I would learn anything technical. There was only my shipmates to share this incredible journey with, as there was no internet, social media, emails or even mobile phones, just good old-fashion letter writing.
Today, a decade or two more mature, and fully conversant with the language of the sea, I am delighted to say that the adventure never ends. I did not set out to be a captain, or a harbour master. I went to sea looking for adventure and travel, and what I got was so much more rewarding. I kept moving my goal posts as I grew in resilience and confidence, moving from 3rd Officer to Master, with my first command at the young age of 29 with Teekay Shipping, on the 35,000T coastal products tanker, MT Barrington
Alan Tait’s contribution to the Australian Mariners’ Welfare Society recognised
On 18 May, the Australian Mariners’ Welfare Society gathered to celebrate retired chairman Captain Alan Tait’s outstanding service to the charity and to the cause of seafarer welfare. The function was held at the City Tattersalls Club in Sydney.
Mr Tait joined the society in 1984. He became a Councillor in 1992 and took over as Chair in 2005. He filled that role for 15 years before stepping down 12 months ago.
Malcolm Longstaff
Jeanine Drummond
Vaccinations at Port Kembla
The late Malcolm Longstaff
Malcolm, died last December.
The League of Ancient Mariners and
Dr. Robert Scott-Skirving
Dr. Scott-Skirving
AMWS has recently had the opportunity to set up a new cadetship program in conjunction with the League of Ancient Mariners (LoAM), and supporting the sail training vessel ‘One and All’ which is based in Adelaide.
This has come about because the LoAM had been bequeathed the amount of $17,500 by a Dr. Robert Scott-Skirving.
Dr. Scott-Skirving was born in Scotland in 1859, and was apprenticed in the Merchant Navy in 1875 in the sailing vessel Tantallon Castle bound for Adelaide. On his return voyage to Britain, Dr. ScottSkirving developed the beri-beri disease which led him to enrol in medicine at Edinburgh University in 1876. Having gained a medical degree, Dr. ScottSkirving returned to Australia as ship’s surgeon on the migrant ship Ellora, and was appointed medical superintendent at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney in 1883. From thereon, he had a long and most distinguished medical career as physician, consultant, surgeon and lecturer.
In 1903, Dr. Scott-Skirving co-founded the League of Ancient Mariners. The sea remained ‘his greatest love’. He maintained his Master’s Certificate, sailed his own yacht until his eighties, and in 1931 published a manual entitled ‘Wire Splicing for Yachtsmen’.
Dr. Scott-Skirving died in 1956.
Defining the path to zero emissions shipping
As the best minds in naval architecture and engineering grapple with the detail of new regulations to reduce the carbon intensity of the global shipping industry, the clock is ticking and the need to find the genuine low and zero carbon energy solutions that are needed to power the shipping industry into the future intensifies.
Transoceanic shipping is known to fall within the hard to abate category, with large distances to cover, massive payloads, very limited opportunities to refuel and an unequivocal and universal requirement to remain cost effective to continue to efficiently underpin global trade. In the face of increasing pressure to affect sharp emissions reductions, many industry insiders are increasingly nervous about the ability of the sector to accelerate the development of the necessary technology without a dedicated, secure, and sustainable source of funding.
Chairman’s Report
Over the last two years, the world and the maritime industry has had to deal with the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we have reported many times, this crisis has been an enormous challenge for the world’s seafarers. Fortunately, as increasing numbers of seafarers have been vaccinated, we are slowly seeing a return to more normal circumstances in terms of availability of shore leave and travel for crew changes. All credit is deserved to those individuals who have made the vaccine roll-out possible.
However the war in Ukraine is now creating a new set of problems for seafarers. In this edition there is an excellent article by Martin Orchard that details the impact the war is having on seafarers and global shipping. I am very pleased to report that AMWS has made a substantial contribution to the international effort to assist Ukrainian seafarers and their families. While there is a focus on the international issues, we should never miss the opportunity to act locally. In this regard, it is great to see how the maritime community in Townsville rallied to assist Ukrainian seafarers on a vessel visiting the port earlier this year. In addition to the practical assistance provided, the simple act of showing human kindness to distressed individuals is powerful and important.
Sydney Bethel Union celebrates a 200 year milestone
One hundred and forty people attended the celebration at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney on 16th November to mark an extraordinary anniversary.
The Sydney Bethel Union currently provides financial support to the Mission to Seafarers (MtS) in the ports of Sydney, Newcastle, Port Kembla and Eden which approximates around 50% of their costs. In addition, the SBU provides and maintains the accommodation for the Sydney MtS.
In welcoming the guests, Llew Russell, Deputy Chair of the Sydney Bethel Union (and a Councillor of the Australian Mariners’ Welfare Society), said that very few organisations in Australia can point to two hundred years of continuous service.
In November 1822, the Reverend William Cowper raised the Bethel Flag on a ship in Port Jackson to signify a Sunday service to other vessels in the harbour, and in the following month the SBU Society was established. This was only three years after the Bethel Union was established in England.
An excellent replica of the Bethel Flag was displayed at the event thanks to the generosity of Warren Cardwell.
Peter Jansen, Chair of MtS Sydney, and Clive Goodwin, Chair of SBU, in front of the Bethel Flag.
Photograph by Nadja Leffler, MtS Sydney.
2023
Women at sea
A new study recently carried out by the All Aboard Alliance and the Global Maritime Forum interviewed 115 anonymous women seafarers, from captains to deck hands, which addresses the challenges they experience at sea, from ill-fitting safety gear to slower career progression, and harassment.
The All Aboard Alliance currently has 36 member companies and represents leaders from across the maritime industry who are focused on increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in all organisations, at sea and ashore.
The Global Maritime Forum is a Copenhagen-based not-for-profit organisation, committed to shaping the future of global seaborne trade to increase sustainable long-term economic development and human wellbeing.
Most of the women interviewed were Asian (63%) and European (25%).
The study identified 15 key areas of concern, termed in the report as ‘pain points’, which can be categorised under four broad headings:
1. Difficult for women to succeed professionally at sea: being perceived as less competent than male co-workers, not having equal access to training or tasks onboard, and having to outperform male co-workers to get respected or promoted.
2. Challenging social relations onboard: feeling isolated or unsupported because of their gender, the concern of gossip or rumours, or power abuse or sexual harassment and sexual misconduct onboard.
3. Systemic employment challenges at sea: service contracts at sea being too long, lack of family planning options, such as maternity leave or sea-shore rotation programmes, resulting in many women having to choose between a career at sea or starting a family. There are many companies which remain reluctant, or are not willing, to recruit women seafarers.
4. Physical condition onboard: lack of access to female sanitary products onboard or lack of access to adequately fitting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as boiler suits, fire gloves etc., or lack of access to designated women’s changing rooms, bathrooms, etc. onboard.
The goal of this report is to create better transparency and help spread awareness of the major challenges experienced by women at sea.
AMWS Chair’s induction into the Australian Maritime Hall of Fame
David Parmeter, AMWS Chair, being presented with his DCN Achievement by Marika Calfas, CEO, NSW Ports.
At a glittering ceremony on the 15th November at the Daily Cargo News’ (DCN) Australian Shipping and Maritime Industry Awards, the AMWS Chair, David Parmeter, was inducted into the Australian Maritime Hall of Fame.
David commenced his career in the Maritime Industry in 1984 and has been involved in many senior roles, including the Chair of Maritime Industry Australia Ltd (MIAL), the Chair of the Asian Shipowners’ Association and the Managing Director of Teekay Shipping (Australia) Pty Ltd. David is a Director of the Sydney Bethel Union (SBU).
AMWS Members will join the Councillors in congratulating David on this achievement, so richly deserved.
The AMWS Trevor Howarth & Jim Israel Memorial Scholarships
Since the last edition of the ‘The Mariners’ Lifeline’ in December 2022, two candidates have successfully completed voyages on the ‘Young Endeavour’ as part of the AMWS’ Trevor Howarth Memorial Scholarship and Jim Israel Memorial Scholarship schemes.
Last December, Jaydon completed the voyage from Geelong to Sydney, and was sponsored by the Salvation Army as a candidate for the Jim Israel Scholarship.
His sponsor, the Salvation Army, further commented that Jaydon is now studying to graduate from Year 12 this year, and is aiming to attend university.
Thomas successfully completed a round voyage, Sydney/Sydney, in April 2023. Thomas was sponsored by Stepping Stone House as a candidate for the Trevor Howarth Scholarship, in conjunction with AMWS and Sydney Cove Rotary Club.
AMWS congratulate Jaydon and Thomas, and thank the Salvation Army, Stepping Stone House and Sydney Cove Rotary Club for their continuing support of the AMWS’ Trevor Howarth Memorial and Jim Israel Memorial Scholarships.
Seafarers’ Welfare/Seafarers’ Happiness index – Quarter 3, 2023
The Seafarers’ Happiness Index (SHI) is a quarterly survey conducted by the Mission to Seafarers to gauge the sentiment of seafarers at sea. The survey asks seafarers of different ranks around the world, and serving on various types of vessels, ten key questions about various aspects of their life and work. Their anonymous answers provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing seafarers.
The latest SHI indicates a continuing drop in overall happiness which was evident in the previous report covering Quarter 2, 2023.
L to R – Jaydon’s Father, Jaydon, Graham Lightfoot (AMWS), Christopher Healey (Salvation Army)
L to R – Captain Chris Green (AMWS), Thomas, Stepping Stone Representative, Bill Little (Sydney Cove Rotary Club)