Telephone (transport and centre enquiries):
- +44 (0)1275 374895
- +44 (0)1275 372926
Opening hours:
- Open daily: 13:00 to 22:00 GMT
- A 24-hour lounge is available outside normal opening hours.
What this organisation does
QVSR Bristol is a seafarers' welfare centre operated by Queen Victoria Seamen's Rest (QVSR). The centre provides a welcoming place where visiting seafarers can relax, stay connected with family and friends, access practical facilities, and receive support whilst their vessel is in port. QVSR Bristol welcomes around 10,000 seafarers each year and also supports an unmanned seafarers' centre at Sharpness.
For seafarers spending limited time ashore, the centre offers a safe environment with welfare facilities and transport services between ships and the centre.
Who can use the service
The service is intended primarily for:
- Merchant seafarers visiting the Port of Bristol and surrounding port areas.
- Crew members requiring welfare support or a place to rest while in port.
- Seafarers using welfare facilities, communications services, transport assistance, refreshments and recreational facilities.
Geographic coverage:
- Port of Bristol.
- Sharpness port area through the associated Sharpness seafarers' centre.
Eligibility note: The website does not specify nationality, rank or employment restrictions. Publisher may wish to confirm whether any additional eligibility criteria apply.
Support Available
QVSR Bristol provides a range of practical welfare services, including:
- Ship-to-centre and centre-to-ship transport services.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Data SIM cards and phone top-up services.
- Television facilities, including SKY Sports.
- Light refreshments.
- On-site shop.
- Pool table and recreational space.
- Chapel and quiet space for reflection.
- A 24-hour lounge available when the main centre is closed.
The centre also provides a welcoming environment where seafarers can spend time ashore, contact loved ones and take a break from shipboard life.
Features and Benefits
Using QVSR Bristol can help seafarers to:
- Maintain contact with family and friends through Wi-Fi, SIMs and phone top-ups.
- Access safe and reliable transport between their vessel and welfare facilities.
- Relax away from the ship in a dedicated seafarers' environment.
- Enjoy recreational activities and entertainment.
- Access refreshments and basic shopping facilities.
- Find a quiet space for prayer, reflection or personal wellbeing.
- Use welfare facilities even outside normal opening hours through the 24-hour lounge.
How to Get Help
- Contact QVSR Bristol by telephone on +44 (0)1275 374895 or +44 (0)1275 372926.
- Email qvsrbristol@qvsr.org.uk with any welfare or centre-related enquiry.
- Arrange transport to and from your vessel if required by contacting the centre.
- Visit the centre during opening hours or make use of the 24-hour lounge where available.
- For assistance relating to the Sharpness centre, contact the Bristol team using the same telephone numbers.
Before getting in touch, it may be helpful to:
- Have your vessel name and berth details available.
- Check whether transport is required from the vessel.
- Confirm current opening arrangements if visiting during holiday periods.
- Contact the centre in advance if you require specific welfare support.
Publisher note: These preparation steps are best-practice guidance and are not specifically stated on the provider website. Confirm if required before publication.
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