We all rely on seafarers as over 95% of the world’s trade is transported by sea, yet they are an often forgotten group whose needs are little understood and served. In the modern shipping industry, ships are invariably berthed in a contained security zone, often far from normal human habitation. This compounds any feelings of loneliness, isolation or stress that the crew have due to spending many months away from their families and homes, as part of a small multinational crew speaking numerous different languages. The opportunity to go ashore to refresh their minds and spirits and access communication facilities is vital for seafarers, but often severely constrained. This is due to the remoteness of industrial ports, the restricted time that seafarers have ashore and the dangerous environment that foreign cities present visiting seafarers. The Sailors’ Society has researched existing port welfare provision for seafarers and identified major ports across the world where there are no services for seafarers. India is the second most populous country in the world, and its ports are unsurprisingly vast and numerous. Yet there is very little provision for seafarers in the country. The Sailors’ Society has plans to establish Modular Seafarers Centres with communication facilities in seven ports across India and Port Chaplains and minibuses in these plus two other ports (nine in total). This will provide seafarers with a personal lifeline of practical help and welfare, spiritual support and when in dire need, financial assistance and family liaison. Access to these vital services relies on the ability for Port Chaplains and seafarers to have access to transport. The use of minibuses will ensure the maximum number of seafarers can be transported every day, increasing the number of beneficiaries that can be reached. The provision of minibuses is vital in achieving the Society’s aim of enriching seafarers’ lives in India and replacing their isolation with belonging. £181,000 will fund the purchase of nine minibuses and their running costs for five years. The Society already provides services for seafarers in two Indian ports, so is well equipped to install these further services for seafarers. Information on the other facilities needed and their costs is available.