The Sailors' Society provides a personal lifeline for seafarers on board and when they step ashore. Exiting to enrich and enhance the well being of seafarers in port, through its international network of Port Chaplains and Centres, seafarers are offered practical help, welfare and spiritual support and when in dire need, financial assistance and family liaison. Our Port Chaplains visit thousands of ships during the year and are often the first to notice when all is not well on board. Reaching out to crew members of all ranks, without distinction for nationality or faith, Sailors’ Society Port Chaplains offer a friendly presence, unconditionally greeting seafarers where they meet them. This may be on a Chaplain’s regular visit to ships on the berth to dispense phone cards, newsprint from home and local knowledge, or transporting crew to a nearby centre where facilities such as telephone and internet access and recreation are available and they may relax in some comfort. Visits to local places of interest and places of worship are often requested by seafarers who have time to go ashore.

Sailors’ Society Port Chaplains enjoy a special trusted status with seafarers the world over and whilst remaining impartial, above all else their objective is to help replace isolation with a sense of belonging. We are almost entirely dependent upon charitable donations to fund our activities. The Society is not linked to a specific church so we do not receive the regular incomes association with other organisations. Without donations we would not be able to function effectively and sustain our essential work. We seek support across the globe from corporate organisations and like-minded people who know the work we are doing is important and fulfils a crucial need.