Prince Rupert Port Authority observes International Day of the Seafarer, outlines Shore Break program

Getting a break in Prince Rupert! The Port has helped to lessen the isolation
of Mariners with a new Shore Break program
(From the Port of Prince Rupert)

The Port of Prince Rupert is taking time today to pay tribute to those working on the many vessels that call on the port facilities through the year, making note of the many challenges and sense of isolation that COVID-19 has provided for the International Seafarers.

With the global pandemic making for changes in many protocols, some sailors have been marooned in foreign ports or at sea for over 12 months, something well beyond the international conventions on the maritime shipping industry.

Today is International Day of he Seafarer, and the Port took note of some of the steps that they have taken to help reduce the stress and provide services to those who arrive at the Port's terminals, providing a glimpse into the Shore Break program in Prince Rupert, a showcase of compassion and assistance for those that are in the most need these days.

Some of the Mariners taking part in the Shore Break program in Prince Rupert
(From the Port of Prince Rupert)

As part of the program, the Port Authority has developed a safe method to offer breaks to crew aboard the ships at anchor in Prince Rupert Harbour, allowing them to come ashore and maintain isolation. Seafarers are given full access to a secured space outside Northland Terminal, where PRPA staff set up tents, a grill, food and other supplies for them to use.

So far, more than 30 seafarers have taken part in the shore break program, and have spent several hours relaxing, eating and accessing wifi to connect with their families and loved ones before being tendered back to their vessel. For many of these mariners, it was their first time on dry land in several months.

 “The Prince Rupert Port Authority is grateful to provide some relief to the crews operating the vessels visiting our Port. While the pandemic has impacted all our lives, seafarers are facing daily demands that go far beyond the normal call of duty. It is important to consider the plight of these essential workers, who are critical to our economy and global supply chain and do what we can to support them.” -- Shaun Steveson, President and CEO of Prince Rupert Port Authority. 

The Port has provided a video to outline some of the challenges facing mariners and the impact of COVID on their day to day lives, as well as to explain some of the aspects of the Shore Break program.

The Prince Rupert program has been hailed by the Chamber of Shipping, with the Chamber highlighting how the Shore Break initiative is appreciated, Chamber President Robert-Lewis Manning also took advantage of International Day of the Seafarer to call for a global approach to supporting those who travel the worlds oceans as part of the global trade supply chain.

“Throughout the pandemic, seafarers have played a vital role in supporting trade for Canada but were unable to return to their homes and communities because of global restrictions on travel.The efforts of the Prince Rupert Port Authority to provide short opportunities for seafarers to have a break off their ships while adhering to public health regulations is important and appreciated. Seafarers urgently need governments around the world to support the free movement of seafarers so that crew changes can resume. The health of seafarers must be addressed before it becomes a crisis and it is hoped that Canada takes a leadership role in facilitating dialogue globally.” -- Chamber of Shipping President Robert-Lewis Manning

Learn more about the Prince Rupert Shore Break here.

Follow some of the salutes to the Seafarers through social media at

#ThankYouSeafarers and #DayoftheSeafarer

For more items of note from the Port of Prince Rupert see our archive page here.