The Mission to Seafarers

The Mission to Seafarers


Website: https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/
Head Office Address: 1st Floor, 6 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3JE, United Kingdom.
Contact a Chaplain: https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/contact-a-chaplain
Port Directory: https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/our-ports
Family Support Information: https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/family-support-network 

What this organisation does

The Mission to Seafarers is an international maritime welfare charity that supports seafarers and their families around the world. The organisation has been supporting people who work at sea since 1856 and operates through a global network of ports, welfare centres, chaplains and volunteers. 
The charity provides practical, emotional, spiritual and welfare support to seafarers who may be experiencing isolation, wellbeing concerns, limited shore access, communication difficulties or personal challenges while working at sea. 
The organisation operates in more than 200 ports across 50 countries and provides support throughout the year. 

Who can use the service

The service is intended primarily for:
  • Merchant seafarers working at sea. 
  • Crew members visiting ports where The Mission to Seafarers operates. 
  • Seafarers seeking welfare, wellbeing, practical or pastoral support.
  • Family members looking for support and information through the charity's family support services. 
Services are available internationally through the charity's network of centres, chaplains and welfare teams. 

Support available

Depending on location and circumstances, support may include:
  • Access to local seafarer centres and welfare facilities. 
  • Ship visiting services provided by chaplains and volunteers. 
  • Pastoral and emotional support from chaplains, including online contact options. 
  • Family support services and resources. 
  • Welfare programmes delivered through the organisation's WeCare initiatives. 
  • Transportation and practical assistance in some port locations. The charity reported transporting more than 130,000 seafarers during 2023. 
  • Access to wellbeing resources through the "Happy at Sea" mobile application. 
  • Participation in the Seafarers Happiness Index, which highlights issues affecting life at sea and supports industry wellbeing awareness. 

Features and benefits

Seafarers using The Mission to Seafarers may benefit from:
  • Free access to welfare support in many port locations. 
  • A global network of support available across multiple countries. 
  • Opportunities to speak with trained chaplains and welfare teams when facing personal or professional difficulties. 
  • Support that can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation while away from home. 
  • Assistance locating local services and facilities while in port. 
  • Access to wellbeing information and self-help resources through digital channels. 
  • Family-focused support for those affected by the challenges of seafaring life. 

How to get help

  1. Visit the main website: https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/ 
  2. Use the port directory to find your nearest Mission to Seafarers centre or welfare contact: https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/our-ports 
  3. If you would like to speak to someone directly, use the chaplain contact service: https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/contact-a-chaplain 
  4. Explore family support resources if support is required for relatives at home: https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/family-support-network 
  5. Download the "Happy at Sea" app for wellbeing resources and support information. 

Things to check before contacting them

  • Identify the port or country where support is required.
  • Check whether a local centre, chaplain or welfare team operates in your area.
  • Have details of your vessel, port call or circumstances available if requesting assistance.
  • Review local opening arrangements where applicable, as services may vary by location.