SCI’s Center for Mariner Advocacy: Responding to Seafarers Trapped by COVID-19
Due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions, many seafarers remain on ship well beyond the international limit of 12 months, with some having served for 15 or 16 months. At the same time we are witnessing an increase in major maritime accidents and seafarer suicides. Simply put, many countries are not allowing for crew changes and crew repatriations, which is placing tremendous strain on mariners’ mental and physical health. In the coming weeks, the United Nations is holding its 75th General Assembly. Several United Nations agencies, including the IMO and ILO, have sent a joint statement to those who will gather at the UN General Assembly in New York City asking them to elevate the priority on the main agenda of addressing the crisis of crew changes so that progress might happen.
Doug Stevenson, Esq., who directed SCI’s Center for Seafarer Rights, has been active in assisting SCI and NAMMA (North American Maritime Ministry Association) in addressing this humanitarian crisis that is impacting seafarers around the globe. At NAMMA’s request, Doug drafted a letter for its members to send to The Honorable Keith Krach, the United States Department of State Undersecretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, asking him to give voice to this issue at the UN General Assembly meeting.
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"The crew change crisis is spelled out in the Joint Statement by United Nations Specialized Agencies calling on governments to immediately recognize seafarers as key workers, and to take swift and effective action to eliminate obstacles to crew changes created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States already recognizes seafarers' critical importance to the global economy by exempting them from entry restrictions contained in the various Presidential Proclamations suspending entry of persons who pose a risk of transmitting novel coronavirus. Accordingly, crew changes are allowed in United States ports. However, that is not the case in many countries, and it is imperative that the United States use its influence to help the hundreds of thousands of seafarers who are being adversely affected by the crew change crisis.” - Doug Stevenson, Esq.
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We believe that it is important for American-based NAMMA members to encourage the United States to raise the issue at the United Nations, given the fact that the United States allows crew changes in US ports.
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New Website Premiering Soon!
Here is a preview snapshot of SCI's new website poised for launch later this month. The comprehensive website, professionally designed by Tennessee brand marketing firm Speak!, will feature portals with resources for seafarers and mariners, a digital magazine, and easy to explore calendar of events. Viewers will discover feature articles and quarterly letters from SCI directors and managers along with needlework patterns and maritime education course descriptions. We will announce the official unveiling over social media and in emails.
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Innovative Online Learning Modules
SCI's Center for Maritime Education's new robust online learning modules are positioned to revolutionize the way mariners learn. These highly engaging videos, created by The StoryHive, a Houston-based video production studio, are scheduled to roll out in phases. Rules of the Road (pictured above) will be available this fall followed by learning modules on Situational Awareness and Human Factors. Mariners will have the opportunity to gain foundational knowledge on their own in these online classes prior to sharpening their skills in simulation courses at the Center.
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In the lieu of our full roster of in-person fundraising events, SCI's Events Team has created lively virtual gatherings for our supporters - contribute to the financial stability of SCI while having a good time. If you are missing your SCI community friends, join us for some fun! If you've always wanted to attend an SCI event, here is your chance to participate online!
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Join us for a Virtual “Happy Hour” Trivia Night
Thursday, September 24 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. ET
Hosted by Rich du Moulin, former Chairman, SCI Board of Trustees
Test your knowledge of all things maritime (or even just tangential
to the maritime) including industry personalities, maritime as portrayed
in Hollywood, maritime history, and just some good old-fashioned quirky trivia!
Prizes and bragging rights will be awarded throughout the evening with the big bonus of supporting the Seamen’s Church Institute's programs for mariners.
For a small donation of $5, we guarantee a late afternoon session of laughs for a good cause! Bring your cocktail of choice, click a link to play from the comfort of your home or office, and we’ll take care of the rest!
To sign up or for more information, please contact Carrie Christensen at
carrie@emerson-events.com or 908.338.9556
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Silver Lining Auction
As part of the Silver Lining Virtual Event, we will feature an
online auction taking place November 9 - November 11, 2020! You do not need to purchase a sponsorship or ticket to the Virtual Event in order to bid.
Have you ever wanted to stay at the prestigious New York Yacht Club’s Harbour Court mansion in Newport, RI?
Here is your chance to relax at this stunning private waterfront venue while watching world-class sailing from the great lawn, and taking in the sights and delights of this magical coastal city known as the “Sailing Capital of the World” and future home of the America’s Cup...all while supporting SCI’s vital programs serving mariners.
Click here to be ready to bid when the Auction goes live on November 9 through 11, and to get updates on new items as SCI releases them!
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Be Part of the Future. Today.
SCI Simulator Instructor Postion Now Open in Paducah, KY
The Seamen’s Church Institute’s Center for Maritime Education-Paducah is seeking an experienced captain to teach courses related to towboat captains, pilots, mate/steersman, and Subchapter M companies. Candidates must have a USCG license, 5 years of applicable experience operating vessels on the Western Rivers or Inland Waters, strong communication skills, experience training steersmen, solid computer skills, and the ability to travel to customer sites, industry conferences and SCI’s Houston TX Center for Maritime Education. Preferred qualifications include USCG Master license with Towing Endorsement, 7+ years of applicable experience, and a USCG Designated Examiner (DE) credential. This full-time position, available starting November 1, offers a Mon-Fri shoreside work schedule, competitive salary, generous paid leave and benefits including health, dental and matching 403(b) retirement savings plan. Send resume to HR@seamenshchurch.org
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Click here to order a complimentary subscription to our online or two biannual print publications.
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Your Support Allows Us to Respond to Mariner Needs Without Hesitation. |
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