In today's society everybody knows how important the Internet plays in the way of communication and knowledge. Emails and web chats allow people to keep in touch whereas using the Internet for browsing can help keep up to date with news and sport back home. For many Australians the Internet is as much a household item as is the telephone.

However, this is not the same case for the majority of seafarers. Life at sea means that the seafarers are always on the move and that the only time they can get a chance to use the Internet is if they are lucky enough to be in a port where there are welfare agencies such as Stella Maris that provide this privilege. Even then, with vessels turning over in a much shorter time than normal, not many of the crew are fortunate enough to get ashore to make use of this important facility.

Last month some crew members from the m/v MSC Kiwi aproached staff to ask what could be done so that they could make use of the Internet on their vessel. Enquiries were made and the results ended with a positive response. A wireless router and Optus USB Prepaid Wireless key were purchased on behalf of the crew and the appropriate configurations were made.

By using the wirless router, crew can now use their own laptops and connect by wireless to the Internet. This will be very much appreciated by the 10 crew members on board the MSC Kiwi who have their own laptops. Last night some of the crew were in at Stella Maris to see how the router worked before they took it back onboard to make their vessel into a WiFi 'Hot spot"

Stella Maris will now be stocking these Wireless Routers and we already sell both Optus and Virgin Prepaid USB Wireless Keys for purchase by seafarers who wish to be able to access the Internet whilst their vessel is in Australian ports. For individuals who wish to do this, only the USB key is needed and come at a cost of $149.00AUD. For those wishing to purchase the Wireless Router as well, another $130.00AUD is required.

Aung, Khin Maung Win and Kyaw Swar Win from m/v MSC Kiwi proudly showing off the equipment that is going to allow them to connect to the Internet from most parts of Australia.