Australians get knitting to deliver some warmth to seafarers

As winter temperatures plunge, seafarers working on icy cold nights at sea can lose up to 60 per cent of their body heat through their head.

Now, a recent campaign has seen people from all over Australia show some warmth to these essential workers by knitting beanies for crew members visiting our ports.

Michael Kelly, a marine pilot at Port Authority of NSW, is a regular contributor to the ABC’s Australia All Over radio show and was talking to presenter Macca about the hardships faced by many seafarers.

He put the call out for people to knit and supply beanies to help seafarers keep warm during the cold days and nights spent on the open seas, and knitters across Australia responded in droves.

“It’s been a fantastic response — we’re receiving beanies in the mail from all over Australia,” says Michael “People are also going to their local Mission to Seafarers and Stella Maris centres to drop off their beanies, as well as warm clothing and toiletries.”

“Due to the pandemic, many seafarers are now stuck onboard their ships with little hope of getting home soon. A small token such as a hand-knitted beanie made from Australian wool brings a moment of joy to a ship’s crew, as well as being very practical. The crews are extremely grateful for the extra warmth.”

The hand-knitted, and often very colourful beanies, are given to crews as part of care packages provided by charities such as the Mission to Seafarers and the Apostleship of the Sea.  

If you’d like to help seafarers by knitting a beanie – find out how and see some patterns here.