Consider seafarers during the refugee migration

Building on its position as the nominated charity for next month’s Posidonia shipping exhibition, The Mission to Seafarers will shine a spotlight on refugee migration by sea and its effect on vessel crewmembers at the show by hosting a seminar on this worrying issue.

The seminar, entitled: ‘Plans for the Eastern Med and Assistance to Crews Affected by the Refugee Crisis’, will be chaired by Jos Standerwick, Director of Development for The Mission. The seminar will discuss the impact the recent refugee crisis in the Mediterranean has had on the seafarers, and, in particular, the risk and legal factors facing seafarers and the broader shipping industry.

The Revd Cannon Ken Peters, Director of Justice and Public Affairs at The Mission, who will be the main speaker at the seminar, will address industry concerns, including how refugees and seafarers are regarded and treated under international law. “We cannot forget that the rescuing of refugees at sea is a highly courageous act by seafarers, and one that is often sadly ignored. We will look at the effects of this and how the shipping industry can help tackle the risks imposed on seafarers, when they stop to help a failed attempt to cross international waters,” he said.

The Mission will also use the occasion to launch its corporate portfolio which outlines the work the charity carries out and the importance an integrated network of support offers seafarers worldwide.

“We are hugely privileged to have been chosen as the nominated charity for Posidonia. Launching our corporate profile will shine a wider light on the work we do and how seafarers and their families rely on us in stormy waters,” Jos Standerwick said.

The Mission to Seafarers seminar will be held on Friday 10 June in Posidonia seminar room 2B from 11.00am – 13.00pm. To register, please contact Ravina Patel.