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People of the Sea
 The sea is vital to us all
with 90% of all world trade being carried
by sea. This gives work to more than 1.25 million seafarers.
41 million people make their living from fishing. For many
in third world countries their entire existence is dependant
on the sea.
By the nature of their work, seafarers spend weeks or
months at a time at sea. This separates them from their
families and communities who, by association, are People of
the Sea. The income gained from seafaring can bring benefits
to all. But all must endure the long periods of separation,
communication difficulties and uncertainties of the
seafaring life.
Coastal communities, including those engaged in coastal
fishing and shipping and workers in coastal facilities, are
also People of the Sea. Their lives and livelihoods are
threatened by maritime disasters: pollution, over-fishing
and natural phenomena such as the Boxing Day tsunami of
2004. And yet their lives are also nourished by the sea: the
beauty of nature, the harvest of fish and the cultural
enrichment that comes from receiving visitors from other
shores.
Lack of access to communications causes a sense of
isolation. Where crews are drawn from various countries,
there are barriers of differing cultures, languages and
religions. Seafarers find it difficult to discuss personal
concerns or share hopes and ideas with their colleagues.
They are especially vulnerable to feelings of loneliness.
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Voyagers on the sea in ships,
plying their trade on the great ocean, have seen the works
of Yahweh, his wonders in the deep... (Ps 107: 23)
Region of origin % of total
| Philippines
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20 |
| Other Far East
countries |
20 |
| Eastern Europe |
28 |
| OECD |
13 |
| South Asia & Middle
East |
11 |
| Latin America &
Africa |
8 |
Seafarers in the merchant fleet source: Lane
A D, Obando-Rojas B, Wu B, Tasiran A (2002) Crewing the
International Merchant Fleet, Lloyd's Register - Fairplay
Ltd.
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