Sailors’ Society

The Sailors’ Society provides a personal lifeline for seafarers on board and when they step ashore. Existing 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 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 faith or nationality, Sailors’ Society Port Chaplains offer a friendly presence, unconditionally greeting seafarers where they meet them.

Ships are often docked in highly mechanised and isolated berths, far from human habitation. Seafarers rely on the services of a Port Chaplain to dispense phone and sim cards, newsprint from home, local knowledge, transport to the nearest facilities and access to phones and internet.

To combat the social isolation of shipboard life, crews have a desire to get off the ship and refresh their minds and spirits after long periods at sea. The Sailors’ Society seeks to replace this feeling of isolation with belonging and is ever present to offer the hand of friendship to those in need.