Opening of New Mariners Center at the Port of Hueneme Is a Welcoming Beacon and Safe Harbor for Seafarers

by Community Contributor • November 22, 2022 • Comments Off

PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme celebrated the opening of the new International Mariners Center located near Wharf 1 which serves as a place for seafarers who call on the Port to receive much-needed services such as free transportation for shopping and emergencies and for providing a place of hospitality after being at sea for weeks.

“The Port’s cargo movement would not be possible without the support of our partners such as the International Mariners Center and their all-volunteer staff committed to providing respite services to seafarers regardless of race, nationality, or religious beliefs,” said Mary Anne Rooney, President of the Oxnard Harbor District. “The Mariners Center and its volunteers have a heart for serving others and today we recognize how vital this service is to the ongoing operations of the Port and to those who directly benefit from the services it provides.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the new trailer housing the International Mariners Center located on the Port of Hueneme near Wharf 1, Berth 3.

The International Mariners Center serves more than 2,000 seafarers annually. Volunteers with the Mariners Center donate 3-5 hours of their time each month and offer support for the men and women who would be unable to leave the ships and access resources without the help of the International Mariners Center to provide that service.

“I was graciously volunteered by my boss when I was the Operations Manager back in 1995,” said Chuck Caulkins, Director & President of the International Mariners Center, and Port Manager for Del Monte. “Here I am 27 years later, and I couldn’t be happier. These amazing seafarers do great things, and we are so happy to be here to support them. We couldn’t do this without the Port of Hueneme. We are thrilled to be here.”

Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director, said the leadership at the Port fully supports and honors the hardworking men and women serving aboard vessels that call on the Port of Hueneme.

“Seafarers are gone from home and their families for months on end,” said Decas. “The Mariners Center offers a committed group of volunteers who stand ready to help meet the needs of crews while they are here. The Port is proud to donate and maintain the new trailer.”

International Mariners Center Director & President, Chuck Caulkins
addresses the attendees while Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director
for the Port of Hueneme looks on.

About the Port of Hueneme The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. The Port is governed by five locally elected Port Commissioners. The Port consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $2.2 billion in economic activity and creating 20,032 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $173.2 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services. In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit. www.portofh.org.

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