History of The Mission to Seafarers

Discover over a 170 years of helping seafarers around the globe.

What began with one man, Revd John Ashley, taking a small boat out into the Bristol Channel to reach isolated seafarers has grown into a global network of chaplains, staff and volunteers supporting maritime workers in ports around the world.

The Mission’s history is one of compassion, resilience and innovation, adapting through world wars, changes in global trade, and the evolving needs of seafarers and their families.

Explore the timeline below to discover the people, milestones and moments that have shaped The Mission to Seafarers, and how a simple act of care grew into a worldwide movement that today strives to support the world’s 1.89 million seafarers and their families.

1836

Our founding

Our founder, Revd. John Ashley set up the Bristol Channel Mission having been struck by the difficulties faced by Seafarers.

1800s

1900s

2000s

Where we are today

Today, The Mission to Seafarers serves seafarers and their families in more than 200 ports across over 50 countries. Led by Secretary General, The Ven. Dr Peter Rouch, we continue a mission that began more than 170 years ago, providing practical, emotional and spiritual support to those who keep global trade moving.

Through our worldwide network of chaplains, staff and volunteers, we offer care, friendship and hope to seafarers of all nationalities and faith and no faith, helping them navigate the challenges of isolation, family separation, abandonment and crisis.

When seafarers need us, we are there with compassion, care and practical support, today, just as we have been for generations.

Our 2025 Global Statistics

39,166

Ship visits encountering approximately 274,162 Seafarers

4,860

Family members participated in our family support networks

208, 605

Seafarers used our transport services

1,712

Justice and welfare cases globally

With your help, we can be there for the 1.89 million people who work at sea.

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Our Programmes

WeCare

WeCare is an exciting initiative designed to promote positive mental health and wellbeing for seafarers across the world.

WeCare

SafeTALK

We recognise the need for suicide prevention support for seafarers and those who support them. SafeTALK equips participants to recognise signs of suicidal thoughts, start open conversations, and connect people at risk with appropriate support.

Family Support Network

The Family Support Network strengthens connections between seafarers and their loved ones while they are away at sea, providing practical, emotional and spiritual support. Through trained volunteers and our global network, families can access help and maintain vital contact during crises.

Family Support Network

Happy at Sea

Happy at Sea is an app designed to help seafarers manage their welfare requirements whilst working on board ship. Through the app, users can book ship visits, arrange transportation and shopping in local ports.

Our App

FAQs

I would like to set up a free tribute page and/or collect donations and Gift Aid Donation Envelopes in Memory of a loved one

Please visit www.missiontoseafarers.org/set-up-a-memorial, email [email protected] (or our switchboard number on + 44 (0) 20 7248 5202 )

I would like to leave a legacy to The Mission to Seafarers

Please email: [email protected]

I am a seafarer and I need financial assistance, justice, or welfare advice

You can contact our CrewHelp Team by emailing [email protected]

I am a seafarer and I need to contact a centre for Shopping, SIM Cards, Transportation etc.

You can locate and contact the relevant centres directly by clicking here.