Seafarers Ministry
Whether caring for victims of piracy, providing a lifeline to seafarers stranded in foreign ports, or simply providing a space to relax and a listening ear, the Mission is on hand night and day to support the world’s 1.5 million seafarers.
Our services include
Ship-visiting: our chaplains visit hundreds of ships a day in ports around the world to provide a friendly welcome and offer help, support and advice.
Flying Angel centres: we have seafarers’ centres in 121 ports, offering refreshments, television, books, recreational activities, internet and phone facilities and the chance to spend time away from the ship.
Justice and welfare services: when a seafarer has not been paid, is working in substandard conditions, being bullied or has been a victim of wrongful arrest, our staff can intervene and put them in touch with professional support and legal advice through local expertise and contacts.
Communication: The Flying Angel phone card is known by seafarers everywhere, providing a vital link to friends and family. Our centres provide telephones and Wi-Fi internet for email and Skype calls. We print and publish six editions of our international newspaper for seafarers, The Sea, each year, which features articles translated into Spanish, Russian and Chinese.
Counselling: harsh working conditions, tensions between crew members and isolation from friends and family can take their toll on seafarers, leading to depression, anxiety and loneliness. Our chaplains are experienced counsellors, on hand to listen and offer sympathy and advice.
Transport: many ports are located in industrial areas miles away from towns, shops and amenities. We provide transport so that seafarers can make the most of their brief time ashore.
Emergency support: in cases of pirate attack, shipwreck, abandonment, serious injury or bereavement, the Mission is on hand to offer whatever assistance a seafarer needs, from food to phone calls home.
Post-trauma care: our chaplains are trained to recognise and respond to signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. In the aftermath of pirate attack, shipwreck or industrial disaster they offer a caring response in the midst of post-event interrogation and bureaucracy.
High-level advocacy: we work to uphold seafarers’ rights and ensure justice, fair pay and good working conditions at sea. We are in constant dialogue with the shipping industry, international governments and regulatory bodies.
Spiritual support: The Mission to Seafarers is a society of the Anglican church. Our chaplains provide Christian services, spiritual support and opportunities for prayer and quiet reflection. We serve seafarers of all beliefs and work in partnership with other faith groups to meet their spiritual needs, whatever they may be.
To get involved with this outreach please contact the church office at [email protected]