The Sailors' Society provides a personal lifeline for merchant seafarers on board ship and when they step ashore in port

The Sailors’ Society is proud to be among the largest, and most comprehensive seafarers’ support charity operating internationally.

Founded in 1818, the Sailors’ Society is a not-for-profit Christian Society associated with all the free churches although it remains independent and not directly affiliated to any one particular church. We are multi - denominational in terms of outlook, as are our trustees, staff and the service we provide to merchant seafarers.

Our Society is present at many of the key ports around the globe where it maintains a staff of professional Chaplains who are experienced in multi-faith and cross-cultural work. Our Chaplains and volunteers assist thousands of merchant seafarers each year; extending a hand of friendship, hospitality and pastoral care to all those seafarers we meet regardless of their rank or circumstance.

Our Society people meet seafarers right where they work – on board the huge variety of cargo and cruise ships at the strategic ports of the world. They also bring with them practical services like SIM phone cards to connect with loved ones at home, the latest newsprint in many languages and are able to change foreign money into local currency for shopping etc.

As part of its round-the-clock mission, the Sailors’ Society provides a wide spectrum of support services – chaplaincy, spiritual guidance and counsel, provision of welfare support to seafarers and their families, assistance with continuing maritime education and, when in dire need, financial help.

Whenever a seafarer connects with our Society, he or she can count on a comprehensive response.