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World Maritime Day |29 September 2022

World Maritime Day

SMSA organises mass in honour of seafarers

 

Father David Alcindor from the Catholic Church has called on seafarers to respect, appreciate and to protect the sea as it is an important gift that God has given us to place food on our tables.

He made the call during a service, held yesterday afternoon at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, to honour all seafarers and to pray for those lost at sea and others who have passed away over the years.

The church service, organised by the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority (SMSA), was to celebrate World Maritime Day (which falls today) under the theme ‘New technologies for greener shipping’.

Apart from SMSA management and staff the service was also attended by representatives from the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) and the Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA) among other agencies, the general public, including two IMO foreign consultants on a training mission with SMSA.

Father Alcindor said that while respecting and protecting the sea, which forms 76% of the earth, the security of mariners should also be assured so that they continue to serve populations across the world in the transfer of foods and other goods, including leisure.

He commended the work by the different agencies to combat illegal maritime activities and that they continue to work together to ensure safety at sea.

He prayed that the mariners continue to do their noble profession with compassion, passion and devotion to serve those that cannot travel the high seas to get food and other goods.

He also sent his prayers to the families of all those who have lost their lives at sea.

Speaking to the press after the service, the chief executive of SMSA, Captain Joachim Valmont, said the authority wants to keep abreast of new technologies being developed to ensure maritime safety.

He added that while the big international naval forces have reduced their presence in our waters due to the low prevalence of pirate attacks, the authority is relying on local agencies and those in the region to combat illegal maritime activities and for search and rescue.

Captain Valmont said that no major marine incident has been recorded this year except for a Sri Lankan sailor who lost his life a few months ago when the fishing boat, which was on a testing trip, capsized in strong weather.

He called on the younger generation to take up jobs in the maritime domain as many rewarding opportunities exist, although they are difficult and tough.

 

Text & photos by Patrick Joubert    

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