Stella Maris

Website: https://stellamaris.org.uk/
Get Help: https://stellamaris.org.uk/get-help/ (access via the provider's "Get Help" section)
Find a Chaplain: https://stellamaris.org.uk/find-a-chaplain/
Contact Page: https://stellamaris.org.uk/contact/

What this organisation does

Stella Maris is an international maritime welfare charity supporting seafarers and fishers around the world. It is one of the largest ship-visiting networks globally and works through chaplains, ship visitors, seafarer centres, advocacy services and welfare support programmes.

The organisation helps seafarers and fishers facing a wide range of personal, practical, welfare and wellbeing challenges. Support is available regardless of nationality, faith or background. Through its network of chaplains and welfare teams, Stella Maris provides direct assistance in ports and on board vessels, helping maritime workers who may be far from home and dealing with difficult circumstances.

Who can use the service

The service is intended for:

Seafarers working on merchant, cargo, passenger and other commercial vessels.
Fishers and fishing crews.
Maritime workers requiring welfare, practical, pastoral or advocacy support.
Family members seeking guidance related to a seafarer or fisher's welfare needs. (Availability may depend on the nature of the enquiry.)

Support is available through a network operating in hundreds of ports across multiple countries.

Support available

Depending on local availability and individual circumstances, Stella Maris may provide:

Ship visits by trained chaplains and welfare visitors.
Practical support for seafarers and fishers experiencing difficulties while away from home.
Welfare guidance and information.
Advocacy on issues affecting maritime workers.
Emotional, pastoral and spiritual support where requested.
Access to local seafarer centres and welfare facilities in participating ports.
Assistance for crews experiencing challenging situations such as abandonment, isolation or other welfare concerns.

The charity reports assisting large numbers of seafarers and fishers annually through port-based and onboard support activities.

Features and benefits

Using Stella Maris may help seafarers and fishers to:

Access welfare support while in port or at sea.
Speak confidentially with experienced maritime welfare staff and chaplains.
Obtain practical assistance when facing personal or work-related difficulties.
Connect with local support services and facilities.
Receive advocacy and guidance during welfare disputes or challenging circumstances.
Reduce feelings of isolation through personal contact and support networks.
Access support close to major ports through an extensive international network.

How to get help

Visit the Stella Maris website.
Select Get Help to access support information and welfare assistance.
Use Find a Chaplain to locate the nearest chaplain or port-based representative.
Contact the relevant local chaplain, seafarer centre or welfare team.
If your situation is urgent, explain your circumstances clearly so the team can direct you to the most appropriate support. (Availability may vary by location.)

Things to check before contacting them

Have details of your vessel, port location and expected arrival or departure dates available if relevant.
Be prepared to explain the welfare issue or support you require.
Check whether a local chaplain or seafarer centre operates in your current port.
Review the provider's contact information and service availability for your location before travelling.

Useful links

Home: https://stellamaris.org.uk/
Get Help: https://stellamaris.org.uk/get-help/
Find a Chaplain: https://stellamaris.org.uk/find-a-chaplain/
Contact: https://stellamaris.org.uk/contact/
About Stella Maris: https://stellamaris.org.uk/about-us/
News and Resources: https://stellamaris.org.uk/news-resources/
Safeguarding Policy: https://stellamaris.org.uk/safeguard