The impact and benefits we provide in our work 

Through our presence in ports around the world during a typical year we are able to reach out  to over 375,000 seafarers. We achieve this through maintaining our existing network of 38 active Port Chaplains.

During a typical year our Chaplains will visit some 25,000 vessels and distribute over 8,000 Christmas parcels. Among other activities they will make around 250 visits to hospitalised seafarers, 120 visits to injured seafarers recovering at home and 20 visits to unfortunate seafarers held in prison.  

Our Chaplains will conduct regular religious services in maritime communities ashore in their allocated port and, in particular, lead about 300 services of Christian worship onboard ship. Sadly, they will also be called upon to officiate at seafarers’ funerals. The bereaved relatives of deceased seafarers always say how much they appreciate having someone who understands how the deceased lived their life in their chosen profession, and how important they feel it is that a minister associated with the sea can lay them to rest.

We provide transport for some 10,000 crewmembers wanting to get from ship to a Seafarers’ Centre or Club each year, and we operate excursions to local places of interest for seafarers seeking a fresh environment away from their ship. Our Port Chaplains also exchange videos, books and DVDs. 

Through our Port Chaplains the Society makes a significant number of welfare payments to seafarers suffering severe financial hardship and they signpost or arrange for serving seafarers to benefit from specialist welfare support skills. They do this in addition to helping the many seafarers who we assist around the world with the supply of phone cards and SIM communication cards, and give attention to their medical and social welfare needs.

In 2009, a total of £2.45m was spent for the public benefit of seafarers worldwide.