No matter how much time or how little time we have available with a seafarer before the ship sails, we try to make a difference to their lives.

These are just some of the stories of how we’ve helped make their day a little better…

"The ship was held in the terminal for 18 days, the crew had been at sea for weeks without a break. Because the crew were confined to the ship by the authorities whilst they investigated the irregularities in the owner’s charter arrangements, the crew were denied access to land to walk on the terminal. So, unable to disembark, they took their exercise along the deck, clambering over the bits of wood dunnage and cargo tackle. Our Chaplain went aboard and was able to dispense SIM cards so at least the crew could ‘phone their family and loved ones at home".

A very weary Filipino seafarer told one of our Port Chaplains as he made his last visit to the man’s ship before it was to sail that evening; "I’m a Christian and every time when I’m at sea and the sea is angry I think about the greatness of God and I need to have a warm talk about God with a man who loves God and can understand my spiritual needs. You gave me that opportunity and I’m so pleased that I could meet you".

Our Chaplain in port gave a bereaved seafarer comfort. The affected seafarer recounted his meeting;

"The Port Chaplain took me to the nearest phone where I was hoping to hear glad news of the safe arrival of my first born child. I was devastated to hear that our baby girl had died within two hours of her birth. I will never know her. My wife, on the other side of the world, was grief stricken. I turned immediately to my new friend, the Port Chaplain, and we prayed together."