Port Chaplains
"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." A weary seafarer talking to a Port Chaplain.
Sailors’ Society Port Chaplains enjoy a special trusted status
with seafarers the world over and whilst remaining impartial,
above all else their objective is to help replace isolation
with belonging. Each day our Port Chaplains visit many ships,
each day they encounter new circumstances which need their assistance.
Reaching out to crew members of all ranks the Port Chaplains
of the Sailors’ Society offer a friendly presence, unconditionally
greeting seafarers where they meet them. This may be on a Chaplain’s
regular visit to ships on the berth to dispense phone cards,
newsprint from home and local knowledge, or transporting crew
to a nearby Centre where facilities such as telephone and internet
access and recreation are available and they may relax in some
comfort. One report recently commented on how security has affected
seafarers –
"The ship was held in the terminal for 18 days, the crew had
been at sea for weeks without a break. They were denied access
to walk on the terminal and took their exercise along the deck,
unable to disembark."
Seafarers’ Centres
The Society operates a number of Seafarers’ Centres around the
world. They are safe havens for seafarers where they can access
forms of communication; telephones and internet. Many provide
food and refreshments and a place of relaxation and protection.
Some offer a means of recreation; table tennis, pool and television.
In order to counter the increasing overhead cost of operating
centres in the UK the Society actively participates in the joint
operation of some Seafarers’ Centres. Partnership in Mission
(PIM) is a tripartite arrangement with the Mission to Seafarers
and the Apostleship of the Sea. Our future plans are to place
Modular Centres in Ports which will give a range of facilities
within the confines of the port, providing easy access and reducing
security limitations.
Worldwide Operation
The Society operates in 100 ports and 30 countries through its
network of Port Chaplains and Centres.