The World of Seafarers and Sailors

More than a million sailors live and work on the No.1 form of transport, the ship. They ensure global trade and provide us with products of all kinds, daily. The sailors work seven days a week. They are away from their home and family for many months, without their familiar cultural environment, or language. They live on board a technology-forged working environment, in a confined space, often under informal employment, and undefined contractual conditions. They are constantly among strangers and always going on new adventures, into the unknown. As a social agency and organization active in the working world of seafarers, the overarching aim of the German Seamen's Mission (DSM) is to mobilize decent living and working conditions for workers on board. In this endeavor, we support of the dignity of seafarers.

The worldwide support of the dignity of seafarers, is the main aim of the German Seaman's Mission. More than 700 employees and volunteers, made up of women as well as men, take on the challenges of the changing shipping industry eacn and every day. With 17 foreign operations and 17 locations in Germany, the German Seamen's Mission has its own international network.