Port of Rotterdam to support the mental well-being of sailors

In the release article the Port of Rotterdam has said:

PWC cares about the mental wellbeing of the crew of seagoing vessels. It appears that the twelve social and spiritual organizations involved that visit ships are struggling to do their work because of the extra covid 19 measures. But precisely now this work is very important, according to the harbor master who is also chairman of the PWC. “I understand the concerns of terminals or shipping companies. Under no circumstances do you want corona on board or at the terminal. The organizations we support are well equipped by us and take due account of the regulations of RIVM. The good work they do is in the interest of the port, ”says director Bas Janssen of Deltalinqs, the association of port entrepreneurs.

Another chat or an additional calling card

“After ten weeks, the change of crews is now starting to get under way. In many cases, however, that may take a while. That is not only annoying for the sailors involved. Nor is it conducive to security in ports. It is not for nothing that crews are regularly changed. Sailors who have been waiting for repayment for two months and are concerned about the home front may need some outside support. A different talk, a listening ear, understanding or attention from third parties or – practically – an extra telephone card to call the home front can work wonders in such a situation, ”says harbor master René de Vries.

The Association of Rotterdam Cargadoors also supports the harbor master’s initiative. “The PRC will point out to ship agents the importance of providing mental assistance in this extremely difficult time for crew members and that they should assist ship visitors. We will actively distribute the names of the organizations involved to the companies involved and highlight the corona protocol with which ship visitors work, ”said Robert Bravenboer on behalf of the PRC.

Happy with attention

Rev. Helene Perfors of the Dutch Shipping Center and member of the Port Welfare Committee is happy with the support: “We are more than welcome on the ships. Sailors have often been on board for months and cannot get off the ship to do some personal shopping, for example. They are happy with our attention and the practical help we can bring. For example, volunteers from the Flying Angel in Schiedam, with financial support from the Port Welfare Committee, were able to give 100 seafarers a bag with items such as a telephone card and some extra toiletries. Just thinking about them means a lot to these people. ”

Port Welfare Committee

The Port of Rotterdam Authority, the Rotterdam Cargadoors Association and the port entrepreneurs organization Deltalinqs are involved in the Port Welfare Committee. The committee reserves about € 140,000 annually to promote the welfare of crews of sea-going vessels in the broadest sense of the word. The amount – from shipping companies, the De Beer foundation and the Port Authority – is intended for the welfare of seafarers calling at the port of Rotterdam.