Princess Royal praises 'selfless commitment' of Mission to Seafarers

|PIC1|The Princess Royal yesterday praised Mission to Seafarers for its "selfless commitment" to helping seafarers all over the world.

Speaking at its annual AGM in central London, Princess Anne, Mission to Seafarers' President said that the ministry was a "wonderful example of practical Christianity".

"It's hard to overestimate just how valuable this brief time ashore in Mission centres is for seafarers who have spent months cooped up at sea," the Princess said in her address.

"Years after they have visited a Mission centre, seafarers still speak with great affection of the friendship that they found there."

The AGM, which brought together 300 staff and supporters, focused on the challenge of change.

"Our teams strive to meet the needs of seafarers, whatever the need may be. If the worldwide Mission is to continue to serve seafarers for the next 150 years it will need to balance continuity and change," the Princess noted.

She also stressed the importance of finding "ever more imaginative ways to engage with people, especially young people" if the Mission is to continue to care for the world's seafarers.

In the first Annual Service to be preached by a woman, the Archdeacon of Canterbury, the Venerable Sheila Watson said that just as Jesus had challenged his disciples about their preparedness, the Mission should also challenge itself to "cope with the pace of change in a fast and ever growing world". Part of this meant continually evolving to reflect the needs of seafarers, she added.

Mission to Seafarers has chaplains and support teams stationed in 230 ports around the world, serving seafarers through friendship and practical support.

The ministry is currently reviewing its governance and fundraising structures and the last year has seen the launch of new initiatives to help raise the ministry's profile. They include the second Tour Pour La Mer cycle race and the Making Waves Triathlon. This year will see the launch of the Sea Tea Dance, a nationwide event tapping into the growing popularity in dancing.

Princess Anne highlighted Mission to Seafarers' expansion over the last year, which includes the opening of a new centre in New Mangalore, new ecumenical facilities at Tilbury and Hull, and the launch of the Flying Angel support vessel, which won a prestigious Seatrade Award in April.

Mission to Seafarers' Secretary General Bill Christensen announced, meanwhile, that the ministry is liaising with parts of the Anglican Communion and other Anglican mission agencies, as well as ecumenical partners, over the possibility of opening new centres jointly worldwide. Cities under consideration include Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh and St Petersburg.

The Princess added, "Over the coming year the society will continue to be involved in many exciting and imaginative ventures."

Seafaring continues to be one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Last year, Mission to Seafarers chaplains played a key role in caring for shipwrecked crews, including seafarers from the MSC Napoli after it foundered off the Cornish coast, and survivors from the MV Denden, which sank off the coast of New Mangalore.

Yet, the Princess noted, few people are aware of the dangers and difficulties faced by seafarers in bringing items of every day need to Britain's shores, including the nation's favourite drink, tea.

"In 2008, we all depend on seafarers more than we did even in Britain's maritime heyday but, paradoxically, as ports have moved away from centres of population, and fewer British people serve in the merchant navy, the public has less and less awareness of seafarers and the invaluable work they do for us," said Princess Anne.

She added, "The Mission's international work and witness is as important to the world today as it has always been. Without seafarers, none of us would be able to live our everyday lives."