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Chinese seafarers As the shipping industry continues to be a depressed market, so Hong Kong Chinese seafarers find employment difficult to obtain. Often single and with no family support our clubs are their only home for the long periods of time whilst they chase scarce employment. Both accommodation and meals are subsidized.
The Family Service One of our most important areas of ministry, the Family Service comprises of one Anglican & one Catholic social worker who *work entirely with Chinese seafarers and their families. They give
lectures at Sea Schools, organise Family self-help groups; are available for counselling and advice; provide B.B.Q.s and outings for families and run swimming lessons for the seafarers children. They publish newsletter for seafarers which are distributed around the world. There are large areas which remain unhelped e.g. the aged and potentially homeless seafarers. Much more could be done is the finance were available.
Welfare cases As the recession intensivies so more seafarers from many countries are destitute. In 1984 Philipino, Chinese, Irish, British and even seafarers from other 1st world countries found themselves in difficulties. Added to these are those who came to Hong Kong looking for work, fell ill or just managed their affairs badly and we see a sizeable minority of men who needed help and who needed our assistance.
Launches & Transport Another area which is essential yet generating no income at all, the vehicles of ship visiting are the life blood of the clubs. Last year we visited 2,938 ships by our two launches, and were instrumental in introducing the seafarers to our clubs in particular and Hong Kong in general. In our world wide experience we know that if ship visiting is neglected the clubs soon wither it is to be noted as an example that the Hong Kong Norwegian Seamen's Mission disposed of its' launch in 1982 then curtailing their ship visits, and so closed their club in 1984. The ship visiting is unpublicized, often unrecognized but it is the only contact between club and seafarers.
1985 has seen the shipping industry plunging into deeper recession. Companies go bankrupt, ships are laid up or sold and more men are thrown out of work. The clubs have been well used over the year and I am pleased to say that our dances have become very popular again.
CENTENARY This year we will celebrate a hundred years of service in Hong Kong. The event will be marked by a refurbishment of both of our clubs. Over the past centenary we have been helped enormously by good friends in church, government and shipping. We are grateful to the Port Welfare Committee for this continuing support.
5. The Apostleship of the Sea
(contributed by The Reverend G.A. Dopchie, Port Chaplain)
One more year has gone by, we are asked to write our annual report. When I read the report of last year, I could almost repeat what I wrote then.
A steady number of visits to ships (1,800), of masses said on board (230), of visits to hospital.
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