International Day of the Seafarer

Seafarers also known as seamen or merchant mariners, are part of an unseen workforce that sail the world's treacherous oceans to bring us goods that make our lives comfortable. 90% of world trade and commerce are carried out through shipping. Over 1.5 million seafarers work on merchant vessels to deliver goods like cars, clothing, gadgets, food, beverage, petroleum, electronic items, agricultural products and many more, to ports around the world. 

Life at sea can be harsh and dangerous. Seafarers face a multitude of challenges while at sea. Some of these challenges include facing the risk of piracy and kidnappings, experiencing violent storms at sea, battling loneliness and depression, getting help for unpaid wages and maltreatment on board vessels, and lack of communication with loved ones. 

The Port of Brunswick operated by the Georgia Ports Authority is the one of the top and busiest automobile ports in the United States. It also has one of the highest tonnage volume for bulk, agri-bulk and break bulk cargo. The International Seafarers' Center (ISC) operates two hospitality centers within the Port that provide services to visiting seafarers. Seafarers are serviced by ISC Volunteers who help man the Centers and transport seafarers. 

The ISC is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established in 1982. Our mission is to provide a safe harbor to all seafarers who visit our Center. ISC Volunteers comprising residents in the community and from neighboring counties are the welcoming and friendly face to seafarers visiting a foreign land. 

In 2014, the ISC received over 16,000 seafarer visits and the number is increasing with the growth of the Port. Your purchase of a tee-shirt will help us to sustain our facilities and continue providing services to thousands of seafarers who visit us each year.

For more information about the ISC, please visit our website. www.seafarerscenter.org