{"id":1578,"date":"2022-07-05T13:49:10","date_gmt":"2022-07-05T13:49:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/marereport.namma.org\/?p=1578"},"modified":"2024-01-16T21:46:22","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T21:46:22","slug":"seafarers-welfare-in-aruba-a-preliminary-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marereport.namma.org\/index.php\/2022\/07\/05\/seafarers-welfare-in-aruba-a-preliminary-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Seafarers’ Welfare in Aruba: A Preliminary Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

by Jason Zuidema<\/em><\/strong> – ICMA\/NAMMA<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Introduction<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

At the invitation of Dr. Viola Heutger, Rector of the University of Aruba, we came to Aruba for a short series of meetings to better understand the resources that could be available to offer to seafarers visiting the country. The meetings took place from June 25-29, 2022 and included a visit to the Barcadera port facility, meetings with academic, faith and community leaders, and our own research around the island and online. The following report comprises some preliminary findings that might help to prompt more serious study and – we hope – the implementation of concrete measures to improve the welfare of seafarers visiting Aruba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\tAt this time there are no domestic or foreign NGOs working formally in seafarers\u2019 welfare in Aruba. Though there are already some informal resources, there are gaps in service and more work could be done. We invite any stakeholder in the maritime community in Aruba or serving its ports to dialogue with us to begin work. Our contact information: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Jason Zuidema<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Executive Director, North American Maritime Ministry Association<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Visit to Barcadera Port June 27, 2022 (L-R) Randall Angela (Terminal Operations Manager), Dr. Viola Heutger (University of Aruba), Christopher Lake (Managing Director), Dr. Jason Zuidema (NAMMA\/ICMA)<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Context and History<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Seafarers are a key part of the ever-expanding global logistics chain and cruise ship tourism sectors. In past generations, the chance to “see the world” was a prime motivation for the recruitment and retention of seafarers. With increased security, faster loading and unloading, political instability, and, especially, a worldwide pandemic, the possibilities of stepping off the ship to see anything have drastically decreased. Ports are often in inhospitable places with few amenities. However, for the security and safety of the ship, and the well-being of crew, shore leave and support of seafarers\u2019 mental health are critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aruba welcomes cruise and cargo ships for multiple port-calls on a weekly basis. Revenue from cruise tourism is a significant part of the economy. The cargo port in Barcadera brings in the vast majority of all goods needed on the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though seafarers sleep and eat on board their vessels, they do have some needs that are unmet. A key need is refreshment and relaxation away from their place of work. By nature of being at sea, seafarers regularly live in a setting of social isolation, with contracts that mean they are away from family and friends for 6 to 9 months. Being away at sea also increases risks of negative mental health, with higher risks of depression and substance abuse. Many seafarers report experiencing bullying and sexual harassment. It is common around the world to have non-payment of wages or abandonment of vessels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key for seafarers\u2019 welfare on board are their fellow crew members, their employers, crew managers and the shipping companies. Many seafarers are protected by unions that make up the International Transport Workers\u2019 Federation. Countries, port authorities and managers also have a role to play. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the network of those who can support are NGOs that provide port-based seafarers\u2019 welfare services. Operating in more than 700 ports globally, these are typically faith-based organizations, but often involve creative partnerships between faith-based and other secular organizations. These organizations are often known interchangeably as seamen\u2019s churches, seafarers\u2019 centres, missions to seafarers, seamen\u2019s clubs, stella maris or might bear the name of the port or sponsor. Most are members of international associations like the International Christian Maritime association (icma.as) or its North American\/Caribbean network, the North American Maritime Ministry Association (namma.org). These networks exist to promote seafarers\u2019 welfare in ports around the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A local seafarers\u2019 mission can offer different services, but they can vary significantly in size and resources. Typically a mission might have a drop-in centre to relax and use free WiFi, might provide free transportation from ship to the local supermarket, might offer gifts or toiletries (bottled water, sweets, Christmas gifts or similar), but especially has a staff of volunteers and chaplains that can interact with crew to provide encouragement, local knowledge, friendly advice and a listening ear. If crew have religious or other personal needs, seafarers\u2019 missions can help facilitate an appropriate response. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\tThis type of seafarers\u2019 mission is not unknown to Aruba. When the oil refinery was in full swing in San Nicolas, there were multiple organizations that ran centres including the Catholic Apostolatus Maris (now Stella Maris) that ran the International Seamen\u2019s Center, the Norwegian Seamen\u2019s Church, and also the United Seamen\u2019s Service which ran the American Seamen\u2019s Club. These all closed in the early 1980s as the refinery also closed. More information on these centers is in appendix 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\tThough resources do exist on the island to answer a significant number of seafarers\u2019 welfare issues, there are no doubt gaps in service, especially considering the sheer number of seafarers who arrive on a weekly basis. Through our brief study, a few questions for further study remain: <\/p>\n\n\n\n