As the Apostleship of the Sea celebrates Sea Sunday, once again our thoughts and prayers go to all the Seafarers and Fishing communities worldwide, together with those who are involved in cruise ships and yachting. This year we observe this day with renewed optimism because in February a comprehensive Convention on Maritime Labour Standard was adopted opening the way – if ratified and implemented - for the emergence of a new maritime world order that will offer new opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work.
But, on the other hand, we were disappointed that the proposed Convention on Work in the Fishing Sector was not approved during the 93th ILO Conference, in 2005. This international instrument would have made all kind of professional fishing a safer and more just workplace. It is hoped that it will be presented again and adopted at the next ILO Conference. It is hence important that AOS members continue to campaign and join forces with local fishers organizations to promote the understanding and the adoption of this instrument.
In the meantime, in spite of the fact that the shipping trade is enjoying a period of growth and that the demand for fisheries products is unprecedented, globalisation is putting the dignity of the human persons involved in shipping and fishing under heavy strain and life at sea is still difficult and dangerous. Globalisation of labour and finance in shipping, illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, but also rigid regulations that do not take into account essential needs of fishing communities, are causing harm to the maritime profession and environment. To alleviate this and to contribute to a new social order, it is essential to establish with and among seafarers and fishing communities relationships of solidarity and cooperation. Solidarity is one of the basic concepts of the Church’s Social Teaching, which is based on the principles of the dignity of the human person and of the common good of all.
Sea Sunday is therefore a reminder for the Apostleship of the Sea to be faithful to its vocation and to keep intact its Christian perspective, which is to put the human being at the centre of all planning and projects, to make a firm commitment especially in favour of the poor and the weak, to promote a sense of brotherhood and solidarity, to share with everyone the Hope that evil will not prevail and things can be changed for the better as it is in the Paschal mystery. There are many things that contribute to an individual’s well-being: good material and working conditions are indeed indispensable but we cannot be guided solely by economic considerations; respect for the social and spiritual dimensions of each person, without which no real and sustainable happiness can be achieved, is also essential.
With this in mind, next year, we shall hold our XXII AOS World Congress in Gdynia, Poland, from 24th to 29th June. One of the conclusions in the AOS Congress of Rio de Janeiro (2002), was that the “globalised maritime industry be given a humane face”. This time we shall go a step further and take this opportunity to discuss and deepen the understanding of our pastoral care, the apostolate’s spirituality and its specific contribution to the maritime world. Let us pray that this will be a time of grace that will enable us to progress in our mission, which is to reach out to all the People of the Sea
On this auspicious day we wish you all a happy celebration, invoking on all seafaring and fishing communities and on all chaplains, pastoral agents and volunteers of AOS the maternal intercession of the Holy Virgin Mary, the “Stella Maris”.
May She pray for us, teaching us how to strengthen the bonds of Christian solidarity among us through Proclamation of the World, Liturgy and Service.
On Thursday 23rd February the maritime session of the International Labour Conference of ILO adopted a new comprehensive Maritime Labour Convention. Our Pontifical Council warmly welcomes this new instrument for the protection of seafarers and their families. This Convention will make a great difference to the life of the 1.2 million seafarers and their families, as it will ensure that the health, safety, working conditions and general welfare of seafarers are given primary importance.
We congratulate all those who have worked tirelessly for the success of this Conference. We would like also to underline the spirit of dialogue and collaboration which has reigned during the Conference and which has made this fruitful outcome possible.
In his concluding speech, the ILO Director General, Mr. Juan Somavia, recognised the importance and paid homage to religious welfare organisations and other non-governmental organisations working with seafarers. He also made special mention of the delegation of the Holy See, of ICMA, of the role of Christian organisations and of their positive contribution within the maritime industry.
At our XXI AOS World Congress in Rio de Janeiro (2002) we expressed the wish that the “globalised maritime industry be given a humane face”. We believe that this vote is a step in that direction. To make it become a reality, we must encourage and urge all the member States who have voted this Convention to ensure that it is now ratified and properly implemented worldwide.
As we rejoice and give thanks for this historical event, we pray that it will inaugurate a new era for the People of the Sea, where the dignity of each one will be recognised and respected.
click here to read more about the Maritime Labour Convention
