The story of ICMA is the story of Christians working together to serve seafarers, whoever they may be, wherever we may find them. The Port of Santos in Brazil is one such a place where seafarers find a home away from home, provided for them by the joint efforts of the Apostleship of the Sea [...]
Ship visiting is at the heart of every ICMA members’ pastoral care of seafarers in every port of the world. To ensure the safety of ship visitors and a basic working knowledge of ports, the International Christian Maritime Association’s chaplains will attend the Ship Welfare Visitors Course in Hamburg. The Ship Welfare Visitors Course is [...]
The Costa Concordia accident has highlighted the invaluable role of chaplains both onboard and ashore. In a statement released to the media by the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Itinerant People, the AOS expressed its appreciation for the crew of the Costa Concordia who had acted with responsibility and dedication. The media statement affirms the [...]
Passenger panic and misinformation has the crew feeling as though shipwrecked all over again. The care given to women and children, on the other hand, the selfless support from the people of Giglio and the presence of a man of God who comes close enough to offer comfort, makes all the difference to this story. [...]
ICMA members are invited to join in prayers for Christian unity. Barcelona-based port chaplain Ricardo Rodríguez-Martos, ICMA’s Regional Coordinator for the Black Sea, Middle East and Mediterranean Region reports that, from January 18th to 25th, Christians will celebrate the week of prayer for Christian unity. In a letter to his region, Ricardo says It would [...]
Volunteers are crucial to all ICMA members’ care of seafarers. The Volunteer Bulletin, a regular newsletter of The Mission to Seafarers in Geelong, Australia, reports on the activities of Geelong’s valued volunteers. The December 2011 issue (CLICK HERE to find it on our Members’ Newsletters page) contains links to “Seachurch” video clips on youtube, including [...]
Guides for shipping companies to support seafarers and families affected by piracy have been published. The Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP) released the guides in Manila on November 23rd. Guides aimed at chaplains and welfare workers, seafarers and trade unions will follow in early 2012. Take a look at these guides on the webpage [...]
