The theme of connectivity has come to the fore since the COVID-19 pandemic, as increased numbers of seafarers were trapped on ships for extended periods of time and unable to contact loved ones at home. The Mission to Seafarers instantly adapted its services to assist in this challenge and Singapore Port Chaplain Soon Kok shares updates from Singapore in relation to progress being made locally.
Many seafarers around the world do not have access to internet or connectivity. The Mission to Seafarers Q4 2021 Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) reported the significant expressions of gratitude for campaigns that deliver free access to calls or internet access. However, the survey also highlighted a very clear divide between vessels that provide free or affordable access, compared to those that do not. This created a chasm in the responses within the SHI report, with increasing numbers of seafarers stating that they always check what access they will have before accepting new contracts. Many seafarers stated that they see the availability of internet access as one of the most telling assessments of how a company feels about its crews.
To overcome the connectivity chasm, the Mission has made provisions for Mifi (individual WiFi internet units) to be ‘lent’ to ships by the local Mission network and give seafarers vital internet access while they are in port. The provision of WiFi onboard and in port ensures seafarers are able to access help whenever they need it.
Seafarers calling at Jurong Port and PSA Pasir Panjang have made significant sacrifices due to the ongoing challenges relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, in Singapore, the Mission has been delivering a Connectivity Pilot Project to provide increased access to connectivity for seafarers, specifically in Jurong Port. As a result of such positive results, an additional 24 SIM cards have been procured from a new telco TPG to extend this service in Pasir Panjang. In total, the Mission now has 40 SIM cards and 32 portable routers servicing these two ports.
Seafarers have been working hard to maintain global trade and have battled many challenges over the last few years in particular. The mental health implications of the COVID-19 virus have been particularly significant, and a lack of ship-to-shore communication has been a key contributing factor to the decline in seafarers’ mental health, morale and social cohesion. Improving connectivity can therefore make a huge difference, from providing independent helplines to the Mission onboard ships, to access to online training services, calls to loved ones and much more.
The Mission to Seafarers Singapore also sent some fresh Mandarin Oranges to the crew members on board the visiting vessels in light of the Lunar New Year’s celebration. We hope to continue providing adaptable support in response to other future challenges experienced by seafarers and also expand our pilot project in other regions where possible.
