The shortage of volunteers is jeopardizing shore leave for seafarers at regional ports in Australia. As the aging volunteer workforce that supports transport and welfare services dwindles, international seafarers are finding it increasingly difficult to access time on land. The Mission to Seafarers charity plays a crucial role in this, providing essential services such as free shuttle buses, which often serve as the only authorized transport for crew members.
Australia has committed to the Maritime Labour Convention (2006), which mandates that seafarers should have the right to leave their vessels and enjoy shore leave. Many crew members have reported going months without stepping ashore before reaching Australia. The Portland welfare center offers various amenities, including a shop, prayer room, recreational areas, and internet access, along with transport, currency exchange, and medical support. For seafarers like Paul Gegremosa, shore leave is a vital opportunity to purchase necessities and alleviate stress during long contracts away from home.
The Port of Portland sees around 5,000 seafarers annually, with nearly all utilizing the welfare center, which operates daily but faces challenges due to a limited volunteer base, averaging 80 years of age. Each shift requires two volunteers, one to manage the center and another to drive the shuttle. The current volunteer model is deemed unsustainable, prompting calls for a federal funding approach similar to New Zealand’s, which has successfully provided substantial grants for welfare services and transport.
