Speaker Evening

On Thursday 28th September the Rotary Club of South Queensferry heard a most interesting talk by Becky Haldane. It was World Maritime Day which was apt as the subject was The Sailors' Society, an international Christian charity working in ports across the world. Its chaplains help seafarers and their families from all faiths and none with welfare and practical support. They visit ships in port and talk to seafarers who can be away from home for up to a year at a time. They help them access medical treatment when necessary. The society has developed an app for wellness at sea, where a sailor can monitor his physical, mental and social health. Ironically, despite wifi and modern communications, an increasing problem for sailors is isolation. Nowadays, cargo ships have an average of only thirteen crew of perhaps as many as five different nationalities. In earlier days, there was a sense of family where men would play board games or watch a film after work. Now they go to their bunks to email and Skype. The sense of friendship on board is eroded, but constant news from home often only reinforces loneliness and  emphasises the seafarers'  inability to influence matters. Many develop serious mental health issues. 

More dramatically the Sailors' Society liaises with frightened families when sailors are kidnapped by terrorists or pirates or are imprisoned, mostly through no fault of their own. It also supports sailors who have not been paid as recent examples in Aberdeen and Leith where ships were held for many months show. The society builds homes and schools and helps bring hope and security to seafaring communities all over the world. Modern developments in shipping, such as bulk carriers and  widespread containerisation, mean that sailors spend far less time ashore during trips than in previous generations. Oil terminals and container ports are often miles from any town with no access to recreational facilities, entertainment or even shops. Under such circumstances, visits from Sailors' Society chaplains or volunteers can provide indispensable support to often ignored members of the community who's work is vital to almost every aspect of modern life. Becky pointed out that 90% of everything we  use comes by sea. If  our ports were to close, the nation would have only ten days of survival left. We rely on seafarers and seafarers rely on us to support the Sailors' Society. The public can help by knitting - the society collects hats, gloves and other items to distribute to sailors. It also sells coffee to raise funds. Order it online at bysea.org  Last year the society reached out to more than 400,000 seafarers. It is the society's aim to have a fundraising volunteer in every port around the UK to ensure its essential work can continue.

Becky's presentation shed a light on  a way of life few who have not experienced it would ever think about. It provoked many questions from the floor. Ed Kelly introduced Becky. Jim McCulloch gave the vote of thanks.