Benoit Faist, the General Secretary of La Mission de la Mer Stella Maris France, has lived a life intimately connected with the sea. From his early ambitions to become a seafarer, to his current role as a champion for the rights and wellbeing of those who work on the oceans, Faist’s journey is one of dedication and a passion for service.
Born and raised near the coast, Faist’s love for the sea began at an early age. “I always had the intention to become a seafarer,” he recalls with a nostalgic smile. “I began my training to become a ship engineer, and for a few years, I lived that dream. I sailed for three years in the mid-1980s.” However, his sailing career came at a time of crisis in the French maritime industry. “There was a very big downturn in the industry back then, especially in France. Many of us had to rethink our futures,” Faist explains. “So, I moved from the deck of a ship to the world of maritime administration, where I focused on ship safety.”
Though he stepped off the ships, his connection to the maritime world remained strong. In the French Maritime Administration, Faist became a leader in efforts to ensure the safety of ships through data and technology. One of his most notable contributions was his work on the development of Equasis, a global database that helps stakeholders in the shipping industry evaluate the safety and performance of vessels. “In the administration, I was put in charge of information systems related to ship safety. France, at the time, was responsible for the information system of the Paris MOU, and this led to the creation of Equasis,” he shares.
Equasis was born out of a need to provide better information to charterers and shipping companies, allowing them to select safe, reliable ships and avoid those that might put their crew and cargo at risk. “The idea was to help people avoid what we called ‘rust buckets’—old, poorly maintained ships that were not up to safety standards,” Faist explains. “Today, Equasis is widely used throughout the shipping industry. Many parts of the maritime sector, from shipowners to insurance companies, use it to make more informed decisions. Even seafarers’ clubs, like the one here in St. Malo, find valuable information about ships and their owners. It’s a tool that has made a real difference.”
Faist’s experience with ship safety and his deep understanding of the maritime industry naturally led him to his current role with La Mission de la Mer Stella Maris France. After decades in the industry, Faist was invited to take on the role of General Secretary. “I have been part of the movement for many years,” he explains. “When I retired from my previous role, my friends in La Mission de la Mer asked me to take on more responsibility and lead the organization.”
Founded as a mission for seafarers, La Mission de la Mer aims to bring spiritual support and practical assistance to seafarers, whether they are working in the Merchant Marine or the fishing industry. Faist emphasizes that La Mission de la Mer Stella Maris France is more than just a religious organization. “Yes, we bring the church to the seafarers, but we are also deeply engaged in the social and practical needs of the maritime community,” he says. One of the unique aspects of La Mission de la Mer France is its dual focus on both merchant mariners and fishers. “Half of our members come from the Merchant Marine, and the other half from the fishing industry,” Faist notes. “We are particularly concerned with the challenges fishers face today.”
The fishing industry in Europe, and particularly in France, faces numerous difficulties. “The fishers are dealing with many problems,” Faist explains. “Access to fishing areas is becoming more restricted due to competition from renewable energy projects and the creation of protected maritime areas. Additionally, there are environmental concerns, such as the protection of dolphins and small whales, which have led to further restrictions on fishing activities.” Faist is clear in his support for sustainable practices, but he believes there must be a balance that also supports the livelihoods of fishers. “It’s a tough situation. Fishers are essential to our coastal communities, and they are struggling to adapt to these new regulations and restrictions,” he says.
Despite these challenges, Faist remains optimistic about the future of La Mission de la Mer and its ability to continue supporting the maritime community. “We work closely with secular organizations, particularly the seafarers’ clubs across France,” he says. “Most of the seamen’s clubs in France are secular, but La Mission de la Mer has a strong presence within them. Our members are respected for their commitment, and we work together to serve seafarers in need.”
One place where this collaboration is particularly strong is in the port town of St. Malo, a historic hub for maritime activity in northern France. “In St. Malo, like in many other ports, the seamen’s club offers an opportunity to meet and assist seafarers from all over the world,” Faist shares. His face lights up as he talks about the work being done in the town’s seafarers’ club. “It’s exciting to be part of something that truly helps people—whether it’s providing a warm welcome, practical assistance, or in some cases, more urgent help.”
Faist recounts several instances in which the seamen’s club and La Mission de la Mer were able to assist abandoned seafarers in France. “We’ve had situations where crews were abandoned by their employers—left without pay and without a way to get home. That’s where we step in,” he says. “Working with the Maritime Administration and the seamen’s clubs, we’ve been able to help these seafarers get the support they need, secure their wages, and make arrangements for their safe return home.”
For Faist, this work is not just a job—it is a calling. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the difference we can make in the lives of seafarers,” he says with conviction. “We’re there for them when they need it most, whether it’s a small gesture or something life-changing.”
