Looking out for the mariner is more than business. It’s personal, too.

I’ve been the Head of Marine Underwriting for Munich Reinsurance America Inc.’s North American Ocean Marine division for more than six years. I’ve learned a lot about the marine segment of the industry and I’m proud to do work that puts the best interests of mariners first. But my work is more than just business, it’s personal, too. I used to be a professional mariner and my son Patrick is training to become one, too.

I earned a US Coast Guard Third Mate license and spent a couple of years at sea as part of my education at the US Merchant Marine Academy. I served in the United States Naval Reserve for 12 years and was honorably discharged in 2000. Patrick is a midshipman at the US Merchant Marine Academy and following in my footsteps while charting his own path. He is a member of the class of 2023 and currently at sea during his second sea-year.

While my work provides one type of protection for mariners, the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) provides another. A nondenominational organization that provides humanitarian support to seafarers, SCI advocates for the personal, professional, and spiritual well-being of merchant mariners around the world. The organization—the largest service agency for mariners in North America—promotes safety, dignity, and improved working and living conditions for the men and women serving in the maritime workplace.

SCI’s work has become of particular importance over the last year during the COVID-19 pandemic. When businesses all over the world shut down and a global quarantine was mandated, thousands of merchant sailors were stuck at sea, unable to go home after a tour, unable to come ashore at all. This resulted in a rise of accidents on ships as physical and mental exhaustion and increased rates of anxiety and depression took a toll on mariners.

SCI has proven to be invaluable to mariners during this extraordinary time. Its chaplains are providing everything from emotional and spiritual support to simply helping a mariner mail a letter or a package home.

In line with its corporate social responsibility mission, Munich Re has given charitable donations to SCI over the years. They have also supported SCI by participating in the organization’s events and supporting their bi-annual Mountain Challenge—a two-day athletic event that is also a fundraiser. Many Munich Re clients buy tables at SCI events and many of our colleagues purchase tickets at these events to support both our clients and SCI.

SCI’s Mountain Challenge takes place on land and water and parallels the hardships mariners face daily: the elements, isolation, and physically demanding work. Munich Reinsurance America Inc. has sponsored teams in 2017, 2019, and will be doing so again this year with the Marine Team’s James Puglia leading. I participated in the 2019 Mountain Challenge on a personal team with my wife and daughter, and this year my wife, brother-in-law and I will participate again. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has sharpened my perspective when it comes to humanitarianism. I took advantage of the company’s Matching Gift Program and decided, along with my family, that we were going to do as much as we could to support SCI. I encourage you to do the same.

If you would like to learn more about SCI or the Mountain Challenge, visit the sites below:

The Seamen’s Church Institute: https://seamenschurch.org/who-we-are/our-history/

The Mountain Challenge: https://seamenschurch.org/get-involved/events/mountain-challenge-maine/

SCI Mountain Challenge, Sept 30 – Oct 3, 2021: https://scimountainchallenge.com/