I’ve often been intrigued by logos. They’re everywhere; a small symbol and yet one that holds a depth of meaning and often entails great history. It is intriguing and I admire the creativity that goes into designing the non-verbal expression of a company, a product, a mission or a ministry. Each one is worn with pride or held with deep respect. The St Vincent de Paul Society and the Apostolate of the Sea – Stella Maris are no different.

Three hands layered over a cup representing Christ as he blesses, the volunteers and members who offer love, and the hand reaching up to receive by those in need. What a fitting, simple logo for Vinnies.

For Stella Maris, it is an anchor, a lifesaving ring, a heart and the rays that emanate from it, and the waves of the sea that make up the logo. The anchor symbolises hope, for when an anchor is dropped at sea it holds fast to keep the ship and crew safe – just as we hold fast to our hope in God to keep us safe. The ring symbolises faith. When a Seafarer falls into the sea, they put their trust in the lifesaver ring to save them – just as we put our faith in God for eternal salvation. The heart symbolises Charity. The heart of Christ is full of love for all; the charitable works are animated by the love of Christ and from this the rays symbolise the light which emanates from the heart of Charity, shines towards our faith and is rooted in hope. Finally, the waves of the sea mark the environment of our mission; a source of livelihood for Seafarers, but also a reminder of danger and death. Yet, a true sign of life.

Seafarers’ lives are hard and every day there are many challenges. Not only hard labour and long hours but also the dangers associated with storms and shifting cargoes. They experience loneliness associated with being away, during long stints at sea, from family and friends and then there is sickness and sometimes unfair treatment in that a just wage is not always given.

It is situations such as these that the Apostolate of the Sea – Stella Maris exists and functions. Overriding any action is always our aspect of faith. It is our faith and Jesus’ command to go out to ‘the other’ which inspires us. The hope and promise of ‘fullness of life’ that Jesus offers is what we want to share and support.

Relying on the generosity of people and that of the many and varied maritime organisations, we can address the issues that Seafarers are faced with. Yes, we meet and greet the Seafarer, we share their stories and become aware of their plight, but it is those behind the scenes who actually fight for the rights of all Seafarers regarding better pay, better working conditions, proper and healthy food, health and safety, and compensation due where necessary.

These organisations and people are the teeth behind our Ministry. They are our Partners in Mission, who assist us in all that we try to do and achieve. Every day there is a new experience or a new relationship struck up.

The organisations and groups that tirelessly advocate for all Seafarers are worldwide. So much happens and many times we never see or hear about it through the media. For instance, in 2025 some 410 ships were abandoned in our oceans, an increase of about 32% on 2024, meaning that approximately 6,223 Seafarers had been left ‘high and dry’.

This automatically creates many problems, including their wages, welfare and health. When abandonment happens, crews are left without resources, vessels can become navigational hazards as well as threats to the environment and our oceans. The reasons for any abandonment centre on factors such as unpaid debts, economic hardship and the inability of the owners to continue operating a vessel.

The International Transport Workers Federation reported recently that in some cases of affected crews, US$25.8 million was owing in unpaid wages. Through their actions and advocacy, US$16.5 million has so far been recovered. The defence for Seafarers continues!

There are many and varied stories and experiences, but they’re all part of the life of anyone who works within the realms of the Apostolate and its outreach to all Seafarers.

In the Gospel of Matthew (25.35) we are reminded of the importance of welcoming the stranger. This is needed more than ever for Seafarers; in fact, it is needed more for all our world. It is difficult to express but can you imagine the relief they feel when they see a friendly face walking up a gangway or meeting at a front door; someone to talk to, someone who cares, where a home away from home atmosphere is created for them regardless of race, colour, rank or creed.

“I have come that you may have life and have it to the full” (John 10.10). How much our world cries out now for this! 

To find out more, visit stellamarisaustralia.org.