The following is the text of a news release from Seafarers' House:
(PORT EVERGLADES, Fla.) — Most people don’t realize what an important role the world’s 1.5 million seafarers play in our global economy. Without them, the bulk transportation of important raw materials, food, medicine and manufactured goods would not be possible.
June 25 marks the International Day of the Seafarer, which aims to recognize mariners for the important work they do. Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades will be celebrating the day with the help of students from Broward College’s Global Supply Chain Management School, Crowley Latin American Services, LLC, and the Seafarers’ International Union (SIU) Fort Lauderdale Chapter.
“This year’s theme is maritime education, so who better to mark the occasion than students who are interested in studying the intricacies of the global supply chain and the key role that seafarers play in global commerce,” said Seafarers’ House Executive Director Lesley Warrick. “We are thrilled that the college is partnering with us on this special day.”
Broward College students will meet at 10 a.m. at Seafarers’ House (1800 S.E. 32nd St. Port Everglades) and begin their morning with a tour of a Crowley ship, to be followed by a tour of Seafarers’ House campus.
“South Florida is an important hub for import and export activity. The expansion of global markets, along with the introduction of new ones, have increased the need for talented logistics personnel right here in Fort Lauderdale,” said Russell McCaffery, Broward College’s dean of transportation programs. “Our students are very excited about the opportunity to see firsthand what life is like for those in the maritime industry.”
The group will return to Seafarers’ House Port Everglades where they will enjoy a Caribbean-themed lunch, which is being partially underwritten by SIU. After lunch, the group will meet with Seafarers’ House Shoebox Christmas team of volunteers to begin the annual ritual of filling shoeboxes with everyday necessities such as socks and toiletry products. The boxes will be distributed to seafarers who call on Port Everglades during the Christmas holidays.
The Day of the Seafarer, which is one of the annual United Nations observances, was first established in 2011 by the International Maritime Organization. Since then, the IMO has found different ways to pay tribute to the world’s mariners and to thank them for their untold number of contributions, not only to the world economy, but also to all of society.
“The maritime world has a rich tradition and offers endless opportunities both on land and at sea,” said Patrick Collins, general manager, Crowley Liner Services and a Seafarers’ House board member. “We are excited to be able to share with these Broward College students some of the opportunities that await them when they graduate.”
Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades is a nonprofit organization supported by the faith-based community as well as by labor, business and civic leaders with a mission “to offer refuge, resources, renewal and respect to the maritime community through multi-faith service.” Open throughout the year, Seafarers’ House is a safe, friendly place where mariners can connect with their families, relax, or get emergency assistance if needed. With the help of its supporters and volunteers, Seafarers’ House offers many services including low cost international phone calls, free transportation, Internet access, counseling services, liaison with authorities as well as recreational facilities.
