By Eric Martin
Permanent Deacon Patrick Moore and his wife Carol, of the Stella Maris Seafarers’ Centre in Fremantle, were two of the delegates representing Australia at the 2019 International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) conference held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Six Australian Catholics were among the more than 250 people from 40 countries in Taiwan for the weeklong conference, which marked the 50th anniversary of the ICMA’s founding, with the theme being “working together for seafarers, fishers and their families”.
“We were reminded that by working together ICMA has played an important role in advocating for seafarers rights with bodies such as the IMO [International Maritime Organisation] including the MLC 2006 [Maritime Labour Convention], a bill of rights for seafarers,” Dcn Moore said.
IMCA is a free association of Christian not-for-profit organisations working for the welfare of seafarers around the world. Founded in 1969, ICMA currently represents more than 450 seafarers’ centres and 900 chaplains in some 125 countries.
The pre-conference began on 19 October with the main, four-day event starting with registration on the following day (Sunday 20), and concluding on Friday 25 October.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, the keynote speaker, emphasised that Catholic organisations working with seafarers represent not just one station or one society, but have a global presence working in solidarity with the oppressed to protect their dignity.
“In a world where people today care less, we are called to care,” he told the assembled delegates.
Additional learning came in the sharing of resources such as the ICMA Ship Visitor app to connect chaplains, the “MtS WeCare” programme and presentations on the ITF international and the need for to engage with industry at all levels by being transparent and professional.
A visit to the fishing port in Kaohsiung and the centre run by the Presbyterian Church highlighted the need to collaborate in working for change for anglers and the fishing industry.
Roslyn Rajasingam, the national director of the Apostleship of the Sea in Australia, said it was a source of great encouragement to see how the important ministry is exercised in other countries.
“As the Apostleship of the Sea in Australia is committed to support seafarers when they are in our country, it is gratifying to know that the assistance will continue to be provided when they leave our shores and dock at another port anywhere in the world,” she said.
“I come out of the conference truly hopeful that the workers of member organisations of ICMA will work together and always be dedicated to provide spiritual and practical help for seafarers.”
Pope Francis sent a video message of prayer and support to the delegates, which was played at the conference’s opening ceremony.
“May you help seafarers and maritime personnel to know Jesus Christ and to live in accordance with his teachings, in respect and in mutual acceptance,” the Holy Father said.
“I encourage you to surmount whatever difficulties you may encounter in your mission and to promote with conviction the spirit of ecumenism.”
Peter Cahill, who works at the Stella Maris Centre in the Queensland town of Mackay, said the emphasis and theme of the gathering “was to come together as one and to work together as one”.
“I think, moving forward, this can only strengthen this ministry with the eventual value being received by the many seafarers as one consistent welfare agency across the world, regardless of where they are and who is giving the service,” Mr Cahill said.
He said spending time with people from different countries, cultures and denominations who had a shared determination of caring for seafarers was “a very rewarding experience”.
The other Australian delegates were: Lawrence Whiting, Melbourne; and Sr Mary Leahy RSJ, the Oceania regional coordinator.