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. When ships dock today their crews are invariably berthed in a contained security zone, often far from normal human habitation. This compounds any feelings of loneliness, isolation or stress created by spending many months away from their families and homes, as part of a small multinational crew speaking many 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. The Sailors’ Society has researched existing port welfare provision for seafarers and identified major ports where there are absolutely no services for seafarers. One such port is Balikpapan, on the east coast of Indonesian Borneo. The port has 5,160 ships entering every year, is the largest oil exporting port in Indonesia and is a piracy hotspot; yet has no welfare facilities. The Sailors’ Society intends to establish within the port boundaries of Balikpapan a Port Chaplain, minibus, modular seafarers’ centre and full communication equipment. Through this facility the Sailors’ Society will provide a personal lifeline for seafarers, offering practical help and welfare, spiritual support and when in dire need, financial assistance and family liaison. £112,000 will fund the installation of these services and the running costs for five years. The Society already provides services for seafarers in three Indonesian ports and has identified five other ports in the country that greatly need establishment of the same services. Information on these can be made available.