QVSR London Tilbury (Queen Victoria Seamen's Rest)

QVSR London Tilbury (Queen Victoria Seamen's Rest)



Contact details

Website: https://www.qvsr.org.uk/qvsr-london-tilbury/ 
Seafarers' Centre Telephone: +44 (0)1375 840454
WhatsApp: +44 (0)7431 246007 
Email: londontilbury@qvsr.org.uk 
Opening hours: Daily from 13:30 to 21:30 (GMT). A 24-hour lounge facility is available outside normal opening hours.
Transport: Transport to the centre is available from 14:30 (GMT). 

Main organisation contact:
  • Telephone: +44 (0)20 7987 5466
  • Email: enquiries@qvsr.org.uk
  • Address: 121-131 East India Dock Road, London, E14 6DF 

What this organisation does

QVSR London Tilbury is a seafarers' welfare centre operated by Queen Victoria Seamen's Rest (QVSR), a maritime charity that has supported seafarers since 1843. QVSR provides welfare, chaplaincy, practical assistance and a welcoming place for seafarers visiting UK ports. 
The Tilbury centre welcomes approximately 10,000 seafarers each year and also provides support to seafarers visiting Tilbury Cruise Terminal and London Gateway. The centre offers a safe and friendly environment where seafarers can relax, connect with family and friends, access welfare support and take a break from life on board ship.
QVSR's wider seafarer welfare work includes chaplaincy services in several UK ports, with support delivered both aboard vessels and ashore through its network of seafarers' centres.

Who can use the service

The service is intended for:
  • Merchant seafarers visiting the Port of Tilbury and surrounding port facilities. 
  • Crew members using Tilbury Cruise Terminal and London Gateway. 
  • Seafarers seeking welfare, pastoral or practical support while away from home.
  • Seafarers of all nationalities and backgrounds. 
No membership requirement is stated on the provider website.

Support available

QVSR London Tilbury provides a range of welfare and recreational facilities for visiting seafarers, including:
  • Free Wi-Fi access.
  • Data SIM cards and mobile phone top-up services. 
  • Television facilities including Sky Sports. 
  • Bar and light refreshments. 
  • Shop facilities. 
  • Karaoke facilities. 
  • Pool table. 
  • Foosball table. 
  • Basketball and five-a-side football facilities. 
  • Table tennis. 
  • Putting green. 
  • Chapel facilities for reflection, prayer and spiritual support. 
  • Chaplaincy, welfare and pastoral support through QVSR's seafarer welfare network. 
  • Transport from ships to the centre during operating hours. 

Features and benefits

QVSR London Tilbury can help seafarers:
  • Stay connected with family and friends through internet access and mobile services. 
  • Take a break from the demands of shipboard life in a safe and welcoming environment. 
  • Access practical support while in port. 
  • Meet other seafarers and reduce feelings of isolation. 
  • Enjoy recreational activities during shore leave. 
  • Access chaplaincy and pastoral support when needed. 
  • Use a 24-hour lounge facility when outside the centre's staffed opening hours. 

How to get help

  1. Contact the centre by telephone, WhatsApp or email before arrival if you need information or assistance. 
  2. Ask ship staff, agents or port representatives about transport to the centre if you are arriving in Tilbury. 
  3. Use the transport service from 14:30 where available. 
  4. Visit the centre during opening hours to access welfare services, communication facilities, refreshments and recreational activities. 
  5. Speak with centre staff or chaplaincy personnel if you require additional welfare or pastoral support. 

Things to check before contacting them

  • Confirm current transport arrangements if you require collection from your vessel. 
  • Check opening times if visiting during public holidays or special events. 
  • Contact the centre directly for any specific accessibility, welfare or pastoral support requirements. 

Useful links