Page 50: of Maritime Logistics Professional Magazine (Sep/Oct 2018)

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MARINER WELFARE

LSC CEO John Wilson and a member of the crew of the

Panama-registered general cargo vessel Seccadi at the

Centre’s new Eastham Hub.

has never changed and remains frmly focused on providing a ‘life- within the Port of Liverpool ‘family,’ for example the pilots, who line’ to seafarers, both active and retired, offering a safe and secure are the frst to join and the last to leave the vessel when in port, place to rest and also receive practical and emotional support. and the stevedores, boatmen, the police and HM Revenue & Cus-

LSC undertakes a wide variety of practical, emotional and spiri- toms. This in turn expands LSC’s network and reach.

tual work. For example, it often steps in when there are ‘major life The center has also developed in terms of staff and volunteer events’ such as a family bereavement, trauma, marriage, divorce training. LSC is a member of the global International Christian or the birth of a child. It acts as a go-between, and can talk to the Maritime Association (ICMA) and is bound by its Code of Con- ship management company in order to ensure that seafarers are duct. All LSC support workers also receive training through a Ship being properly cared for. On a practical level, it provides a vari- Welfare Visiting Program. This provides instruction on protocol ety of support, including access to WIFI, money exchange, and a for accessing the port estate, boarding a vessel and managing crew. physical base on land where crew can take a break from the vessel. This training is essential and ensures that all support workers are

Another key role involves ensuring that the Port of Liverpool better equipped for the job. LSC has also invested in offcial staff and the maritime industry on Merseyside maintain its reputation and volunteer uniforms, including personal protective equipment as a friendly caring port. Liverpool is one of the few port cities to (PPE) to ensure that the team is clearly visible and professional.

have a seafarer welfare center in a cruise terminal. This makes all Staff and volunteer numbers continue to rise in order to deliver the difference to the crew, who would otherwise struggle to fnd LSC’s expanding brief and there is now a total of 20 active volun- the time to travel to outreach centers. teers. To fulfll its mission moving forward, LSC is also consider-

Two major factors are impacting the modern seafarer and sub- ing extending its seven-day service to ‘round-the-clock’ 24-hour sequently forcing an evolution in care and support. These are care. The Centre believes this will be particularly important in line technology and mental health. While technology can be a power with the expansion of the Port of Liverpool, with the second phase for good, it has also created an isolation effect in which seafarers of Peel Ports’ Liverpool2 program due for completion in 2019.

withdraw from face-to-face human interaction during downtime in favor of technology. LSC increasingly encourages seafarers to

Ambitious Plans leave living quarters, exit the vessels and go ashore to interact LSC plans to open three new support hubs across Merseyside with other people. Another important factor is that seafarers are and Cumbria. Although still at the planning stage, the organiza- not necessarily together as friends but are together as work col- tion’s aim is to extend support to seafarers in the northern England leagues. It is very common to fnd mixed-nationality crews, and ports of Garston, Silloth and Barrow, which are all operated by As- the feeling of isolation is heightened for those who are perhaps sociated British Ports (ABP). The charity is seeking a lease agree- the only member of the crew from their country or region of the ment for space at Garston Harbor Offce to kick-start the initiative world. LSC now requests crew lists from all vessels so the orga- after securing internal funding. Garston, Silloth and Barrow each nization can identify in advance the numbers and mix of crews. receive up to fve vessels per week, with about eight crew members

Regarding the mental health aspect, LSC volunteers are redou- per vessel. The ports, however, are known for being more remote bling their efforts to create lasting moments with the visiting sea- and have varying degrees of local infrastructure and amenities for farers by having meaningful conversations. This also allows them visiting seafarers, and the purpose of opening specialized hubs in to open up: the LSC support staff may be the only people seafar- these locations is to maximize the support LSC can deliver. ers feel confdent talking to in complete confdence. LSC can also Communication is vital to delivering effective seafarer support. secure the necessary support in the event of any issues. LSC is preparing to launch a new VHF radio service to enable

LSC has worked to build relationships with all organizations direct communication with vessels prior to docking and whilst in 50 Maritime Logistics Professional September/October 2018 | |