Seafaring Today

We all rely upon the many products ships haul as cargo. At sea, crews are often battered by severe weather which makes seafaring the world’s second most dangerous profession.

Seafarers and fishers sacrifice so much of "normal life" to do their work. Separation from family and faith communities is their biggest hardship. There are over a million merchant seafarers employed on board ships.* Although many are Christian, many others are Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Shintoist, Animist or have no faith background.

The men and women who work on ships have normal physical, spiritual and emotional needs, often intensified by the incredible hardships and dangers of their occupation.

Most seafarers are at sea from 9-10 months a year. Seafarers from developing nations are often powerless against abuse of their fundamental human rights due to the inequities of global economics.

The average monthly salary for the crews can be as low as $300.**

Such abuse grieves God.

*Source: North American Maritime Ministry Association
**Source: Interview with International Transportation Federation personnel