Boosted connectivity vital for seafarers visiting Port of Albany

More than 3,500 seafarers who visit the Port of Albany each year now have improved access to internet thanks to additional Wi-Fi boxes being provided by Southern Ports.

The new boxes allow full crews on multiple vessels to access the internet, increasing opportunity for connection with their family and friends at home with minimal interruption. 

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said seafarers were the backbone of the global maritime industry.

“Having worked at various levels of the maritime industry for the past three decades, I fully appreciate the critical role seafarers play in often very difficult conditions,” Mr Wilks said.

“Seafarers can spend more than nine months at a time away from their loved ones, so having the means to call home when in port is an important comfort we’re pleased to help provide.”

The boxes have been provided to the Albany Mission to Seafarers and Stella Maris Centre to distribute to vessels when they arrive at berth.

Many modern vessels now have their own Wi-Fi systems but seafarers are often charged once they use their allotted data allocation.

Southern Ports works with the two seafarer welfare organisations to provide year-round support for seafarers visiting the Port of Albany, including crucial opportunities for respite at their centre, and transport into and around Albany.

Mission to Seafarers Albany Centre Manager Colleen Donovan said the provision of additional and upgraded Wi-Fi boxes meant greater connectivity for more visitors at any one time.

“Previously we only had one Wi-Fi box to share around and it needed replacing. These two new boxes now mean multiple vessels can benefit from the connectivity at the same time,” Ms Donovan said.

"Mental health is absolutely vital to the ongoing care of each seafarer and being able to contact home is a big factor in fostering positive mental health and higher morale on board each vessel.” 

Stella Maris Albany Centre Manager Marilou Lomas said access to free Wi-Fi is always welcomed by visiting seafarers.

“Some seafarers suffer depression and loneliness because they cannot communicate or even video call their loved ones without the convenience of Wi-Fi,” Ms Lomas said.

“Most seafarers prefer to stay onboard on their break time to contact their families rather than go ashore.

“Seafarers are very grateful for the availability of the Wi-Fi system and it is regularly conveyed to us to thank Southern Ports.”

Seafarer welfare will be put in the spotlight across on the globe on Day of the Seafarer on Wednesday 25 June which is an opportunity to grow awareness of the critical role seafarers play in the global economy.

This year’s International Maritime Organisation campaign focuses on ‘My Harassment Free Ship’ to promote a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment at sea.

For Southern Ports it’s not the only day that seafarer welfare is put in the spotlight, as it works with key stakeholders on Port Welfare Committees all-year round.