Seafaring life is characterised by severe isolation. Crews have no access to phones or internet on 84% of ships so seafarers often go for weeks without hearing the voices of their loved ones. Family relationships are placed under strain and all too often this leads to family breakdowns. Spending months on end limited to the confines of the ship, depression is common among the seafaring community and tragically the suicide rate is three times higher than among society on land.

Sailors’ Society Chaplains visit ships to offer help and support to crews. They provide phone cards and transport to internet facilities to help seafarers contact their families. Chaplains give emotional support to troubled seafarers and provide transport to wherever they need to go, helping them gain respite from the monotony of life at sea. These simple services have a great impact upon their wellbeing. Our Port Chaplains support all seafarers, irrespective of faith or nationality.