Who are seafarers?

Seafarers generally come from under-developed countries where the average wayge is low and the employment opportunities scarce.  In the global economy, workers from these countries are a bargain - low wages and few benefits - and they are plentiful.  So, they are often targets of abuse and exploitation.  Additionally, seafarers spend most of their time in international waters, thousands of miles away from home, so they don't have anybody with whom to lodge complaints or vent their frustrations.  It is a terribly lonely existence.  

Why should I care?

Very little international trade is done between under-developed countries.  The overwhelming percentage of maritime cargo is destined for the United States and the European countries.  We are not merely disinterested observers of maritime operations.  We're consumers of a vast variety of authomobiles, clothing, food, toys, and other household goods.  We're price-conscious, and we drive down the wages and benefits of seafaring.  More importantly, seafarers are human beings - children of God.  We need to reach out to them as an expression of our humanity and faith.