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. 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. Just 2% of the world’s seafarers’ welfare provisions are location in South America, yet the continent has many vast and growing ports. The Sailors’ Society has identified a great need for modular Seafarers’ Centres to provide services for seafarers in five ports across Brazil; Recife, Sepetiba, Atajai, Rio de Janeiro and Vitoria (two in Vitoria). Through these facilities 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. The centres that the Society seeks funding for are an innovative new concept, as they are hybrid containers. The centres are designed to be placed within the port limits for easy access, particularly as modern tight seciruty measures often prohibit seafarers from leaving the port boundary. Additionalkly, they have the flexibility to be moved should the size, layout or needs of the port change - making a more intelligent investment for long term benefit than a 'bricks and mortar' seafarers centre. £264,000 will fund the installation of six modular centres and their running costs for five years. The Society already provides services for seafarers in two Brazilian ports, so is well equipped to develop new projects. Information on the specific facilities and ports, or other regions needing services is available.