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IN THIS ISSUE – January 2024

• Save the Date: Maritime Training Benefit Luncheon
• Mark Nestlehutt Featured on "Between The Levees" Podcast
• SCI-Port of New York & New Jersey: Making a Difference in 2023
• Center for Mariner Advocacy Director to Attend Upcoming Meetings in London
• Center for Maritime Education Assisted With New Tugboat Tests For The Port of Corpus Christi

Photo: Lashing barges on the Mississippi River near Wickliffe, KY. Photo, Evan Brown

Thank You To Our Corporate Sponsors

SAVE THE DATE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

11:00 am: Registration 

11:30 – 1:00 pm: Luncheon

Join us for the Maritime Training Benefit Luncheon in Houston as we gather to celebrate excellence within the industry and to support SCI's mission-driven initiatives.

For more information on this event or to participate as a sponsor, contact MTBL@seamenschurch.org or call 212.401.4072.

Registration links are coming soon.



THE REV. MARK NESTLEHUTT FEATURED ON "BETWEEN THE LEVEES" PODCAST

Season 2, Episode 103 of Between the Levees features SCI President and Executive Director, the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt. Mark and host Tim Tregle discuss the history of SCI, from its origins in New York Harbor in 1834 to what it has become today. Mark also shares a few stories about his time in the U.S. Navy and about his various introductions to, and professional experiences with, the many aspects of the American maritime industry. The episode closes with Mark’s take on what's in store for the industry in the years to come.

SCI-PORT OF NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY:

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN 2023

Throughout 2023, the International Seafarers’ Center in Port Newark continued to have a significant impact on the port community. While noting a slight decline in vessel visits—which can be attributed to the ISC operating with one fewer full-time chaplain than usual for most of the year—SCI Chaplains still managed to reach over 10,000 seafarers, representing an almost 4% increase over the previous year. Additionally, the ISC saw an 8.5% increase in foot traffic from the port community into the center, and seafarer transports experienced a significant surge of almost 80%. This growth is linked to increased shore leave for seafarers and the easing of pandemic restrictions imposed on seafarers and port workers.

SCI’s Chaplain team at the International Seafarers’ Center in Port Newark (shown assisting with Christmas at Sea). From left to right are the Rev. Dr. Bill Allport, the Rev. James Kollin, and Michelle McWilliams.

CENTER FOR MARINER ADVOCACY DIRECTOR TO ATTEND UPCOMING SEAFARER MEETINGS IN LONDON

Center for Mariner Advocacy Director Phil Schifflin will be attending two meetings in London that are both focused on mariner-related issues. During the first week in London, Phil will be attending the International Maritime Organization’s Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping Sub-Committee. This sub-committee deals with the human side of shipping—the mariners. The meeting will assess the Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeeping (STCW) and IMO Model Courses, ensuring that mariner training aligns with evolving requirements due to the integration of new technologies, systems, and fuels in ships. Then, in the last week in February, Phil will be attending the Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group (JTWG) to identify and address seafarers’ issues. This meeting of the JTWG will be focused on how to better address harassment and bullying, including sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH) in the maritime sector, and also reviewing draft STCW standards that are focused on helping to address this issue.

CENTER FOR MARITIME EDUCATION ASSISTED WITH NEW TUGBOAT TESTS FOR THE PORT OF CORPUS CHRISTI

In 2019 and 2020, when MODA Ingleside Energy Center sought to expand berths for better accommodation of Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) near Corpus Christi, TX, they enlisted SCI's assistance for feasibility studies to thoroughly assess the project before implementation. Throughout this expansion, SCI's Center for Maritime Education conducted three distinct tests. The initial two evaluated dock requirements, berth rendering, dredge profiles, and tug specifications for the terminal. The third study, commissioned by the Port of Corpus Christi, analyzed navigational and operational needs for tugboats in a deeper and wider Corpus Christi Ship Channel to safely escort VLCCs amidst existing maritime conditions and proposed environmental changes. Given the massive and less maneuverable nature of VLCCs, it became apparent that more powerful and agile tugboats were essential.

Signet Shipbuilding & Repair and Robert Allen designed the vessels and provided the Tug 53 simulator model to CME for critical testing, analyzing navigational and operational effectiveness within the channel and near berths. CME delivered its conclusions in the 1st quarter of 2022.

On January 8, 2024, Signet and Robert Allen announced the successful delivery of these new boats to the Port of Corpus Christi. Learn more about these remarkable vessels through Robert Allen and Workboat articles. At CME, we prioritize the safety of mariners, the boats and equipment they use, and the waterways they navigate. We are honored to have played a role in ensuring the safety of these vessels and are thrilled to witness the realization of these unique tugboats.

Simulator Model showing Tug 53 simulator model guiding a VLCC in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel.

REMINDER:

GUIDANCE ON SEAFARER MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES

~ from SCI AND AMERICAN P&I CLUB

In collaboration with the American P&I Club, leveraging its expertise in maritime insurance and risk mitigation, SCI presents "Addressing and Managing Seafarer Mental Health Challenges," published in November 2023. The goal of this document is to offer guidance and insights into the mental health challenges faced by even the most experienced seafarers. 

| PDF version |

| Web Version |

THE LOOKOUT

Read the latest Lookout Magazine. Learn more about how SCI lives up to its mission—promoting safety, dignity, and improved working conditions for mariners and seafarers.

Read Online | Download PDF

Your donations make a difference!

 FROM THE SCI ARCHIVES 

On this day in 1922, the Seamen's Church Institute of New Orleans opened its doors as part of a rapid nationwide expansion of missions affiliated with the Seamen's Church Institute of America. The original structure at 535 Decatur Street, which accommodated the institute, still stands today. While SCI no longer occupies this building, SCI has re-established its presence in New Orleans, housing the office for our Regional Center for Mariner Advocacy. At the helm is CMA Director Philip C. Schifflin Jr. Esq., who actively advances our mission by providing legal aid and engaging in legislative advocacy. In this photo, mariners play checkers at SCI in New Orleans—from The Lookout—September 1922.

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