Seafarers’ Christian Friend Society (SCFS)

Seafarers’ Christian Friend Society (SCFS)







Contact details

Website: https://scfs.org
Head Office Address:
Ch18 Colvin House, Inspire Business Park, 16 Carrowreagh Road, Dundonald, Belfast, BT16 1QT 
Telephone: +44 28 9521 7770 
Email: headquarters@scfs.org 
Contact page: https://scfs.org/contact-us/ 

What this organisation does

Seafarers’ Christian Friend Society (SCFS) is a maritime welfare charity that has supported seafarers and those connected with the maritime industry since 1846. The organisation works through chaplains, ship visitors and volunteers to provide friendship, practical assistance and welfare support to seafarers from all nations. 
SCFS states that its mission is to encourage and minister to the spiritual, physical, practical and mental welfare needs of seafarers, their families and port workers. 
For seafarers who may be far from home, isolated, or facing personal difficulties during their time at sea, SCFS aims to offer compassionate support and a friendly point of contact.

Who can use the service

Support may be relevant to:
  • Seafarers of any nationality. 
  • Seafarers' family members. 
  • Port workers and others connected with maritime industries. 
  • Seafaring Christians seeking encouragement in their faith. 
SCFS operates through port chaplains, ship visitors and volunteers in various ports worldwide. 

Support available

SCFS may provide support through:
  • Ship visiting by ordained chaplains, associate chaplains, volunteer chaplains and ship visitors. 
  • Friendship, listening support and welfare assistance for seafarers. 
  • Practical help, including appropriate clothing, personal hygiene products, food and transport when requested and available. 
  • Spiritual support, pastoral care and Christian encouragement. 
  • Christian services on board ships when requested. 
  • Distribution of Bibles, Christian literature and other faith resources. 
  • Support relating to physical, mental and practical welfare concerns. 

Features and benefits

Seafarers, fishers and families may benefit from:
  • A trusted welfare organisation with a long history of supporting maritime communities. 
  • Access to chaplains and ship visitors who understand the challenges of life at sea. 
  • Practical assistance that may help address immediate welfare needs during port visits. 
  • Emotional support and companionship to help reduce feelings of isolation. 
  • Access to spiritual care for those who would like faith-based support. 
  • Support for both seafarers and their families where appropriate. 

How to get help

  1. Visit the SCFS website: 
  2. Use the contact page to make an enquiry or request support. 
  3. Contact the charity directly by telephone on +44 28 9521 7770. 
  4. Email headquarters@scfs.org with details of your enquiry or welfare needs. 
  5. If you are in port, ask whether an SCFS chaplain or ship visitor is available locally. 

Things to check before contacting them

  • Be prepared to provide your vessel name, port location and contact details if requesting support.(Good practice, but specific requirements should be confirmed with SCFS before publication.)
  • Check whether support is available in your current port area. 
  • If requesting practical assistance, confirm availability and any local arrangements directly with SCFS. 
  • Check current office hours and response arrangements through the contact page.