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Latest technology provides a link with home anywhere in the world
(Lloyds List Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)LINKING crew members with their families is a key part of the mission's work and the society launched the world's first prepaid calling service for seafarers in August last year, writes Sandra Speares.
'Never isolated, never alone' is the slogan printed on the card, which was developed with US company SeaDigital Communications and is 'not just a telephone card' according to North Tees chaplain Ken Cornforth.
The cards, which cost $10, mean crew members can leave a message for family and friends anywhere in the world and can also pick up messages from the service.
Landline, mobile, satellite from ships and voicemail services are incorporated.
SeaDigital says the service gives seafarers the opportunity to make calls at times which are most convenient and most cost-effective.
The card carries details of access numbers, after which the crew member enters a pin number.
According to the mission another advantage is that the minutes never expire.
Mr Cornforth says: 'In our experience seafarers trust the flying angel logo. This new service is an development from the original Mission to Seafarers telephone card.'
Another recent development that has been funded by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board is the installation of webcams at a number of seafarers centres including the mission in North Tees which allow seafarers to see their families as well as talk to them.
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