Resources
A collection of free resources to help you raise funds and share the work we do
About our charity
The Mission to Seafarers provides help to the 1.89 million people who face danger every day to keep our global economy afloat.
What is a seafarer
Support for anyone working in the seafaring industry
Our impact
Providing help for seafarers in over 200 ports around the world.
Our issues
Multiple issues effect Seafarers everyday, learn how we help
Our people
Learn more about the staff that make change happen
Careers
Impacts on the lives of people across the world
Publications
Explore our latest publications, reports, and stories showcasing the impact of our work.
Back
About our charity
The Mission to Seafarers provides help to the 1.89 million people who face danger every day to keep our global economy afloat.
What is a seafarer
Support for anyone working in the seafaring industry
Our impact
Providing help for seafarers in over 200 ports around the world.
Our issues
Multiple issues effect Seafarers everyday, learn how we help
Our people
Learn more about the staff that make change happen
Careers
Impacts on the lives of people across the world
Publications
Explore our latest publications, reports, and stories showcasing the impact of our work.
Where can I get help?
We are here for you 24/7
Download our app
The first digital seafarers’ centre in your pocket.
Find a port
We’re located in over 200 ports in 50 different countries
Family network
Learn more about the community we’re building for seafarers’ families
The Sea
The latest maritime news and safety information for seafarers.
WeCare
An initiative designed to improve the mental health and wellbeing of seafarers
Training
We have a range of e-learning for seafarers and their families
Seafarers happiness index
A platform for seafarers to share their views and be a catalyst for change
Contact our Chaplaincy team
Support for anyone working in the seafaring industry
Back
Where can I get help?
We are here for you 24/7
Download our app
The first digital seafarers’ centre in your pocket
Find a port
We’re located in over 200 ports in 50 different countries
Family network
Learn more about the community we’re building for seafarers’ families
The Sea
The latest maritime news and safety information for seafarers.
WeCare
An initiative designed to improve the mental health and wellbeing of seafarers
Training
We have a range of e-learning for seafarers and their families
Seafarers happiness index
A platform for seafarers to share their views and be a catalyst for change
Contact our Chaplaincy team
Support for anyone working in the seafaring industry
Make a donation
With your help we can be there for everyone that needs us
Events
Learn more about our global programme of events
Legacy and in memory
Support us with a legacy gift, or give in memory of someone special.
Resources
A collection of free resources to help you raise funds and share the work we do
Fundraising
Based in over 200 ports across 85 countries
Volunteering
Based in over 200 ports across 85 countries
School resources
Based in over 200 ports across 85 countries
Knitting
The Mission is on call providing help for seafarers in over 200 ports around the world.
Back
Make a donation
With your help we can be there for everyone that needs us
Events
Learn more about our global programme of events
Legacy and in memory
Support us with a legacy gift, or give in memory of someone special.
Resources
A collection of free resources to help you raise funds and share the work we do
Fundraising
Based in over 200 ports across 85 countries
Volunteering
Based in over 200 ports across 85 countries
School resources
Based in over 200 ports across 85 countries
Knitting
The Mission is on call providing help for seafarers in over 200 ports around the world.
Note: Names have been omitted to protect the identity of crew members
A Mission to Seafarers chaplain has helped crew members to claim back wages not paid to them for several months in a row.
The chaplain stepped on board the vessel in a port in the UK and immediately felt as if something was amiss.
“The crew weren’t laughing or smiling, they weren’t waving happily as they usually would, instead they stood around listlessly drained of all energy and with downcast expressions”.
The chaplain soon found out that many of the crew members hadn’t been paid for several months, and that one crew member had been forced to overstay their contract for four months because they hadn’t received wages. One crew member had not been allowed to return home for his grandmother’s funeral.
The chaplain quickly actioned some initial steps that would help the crew members out of their situation. They provided SIM cards for the crew and gave them the contact information for the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) to complain about the conditions they were facing on board.
After a few days, some good news was reported: the entire crew had finally received their wages in full, the crew members who had overstayed their contracts were repatriated with a promise of good references, and the seafarer who had lost his grandmother was sent home at the company’s expense.
Problems with late pay on-board vessels can have devastating effects on the family of crew members, who can be reliant on wages sent by seafarers to live. Crew members often don’t turn to organisations to help them because of a lack of knowledge about basic rights, and because they have no means of contacting external help – due in part to unpaid wages.
The chaplain’s initial visit helped to change the culture on board the ship. When the ship returned to port six months later, the chaplain was able to see first-hand the changes that had taken place on board during that time.
The chaplain noted that:
“The seafarers were extremely grateful for the changes that had been sparked by his visit and were much happier in their jobs as a result.”
Crew were visibly happier and felt able to discuss issues openly with their company without fear of reprisals. The ITF, Border Force, and Coast guard all helped to resolve the issues which were highlighted by the chaplains initial welfare check.
If you are a seafarer looking for help, then please contact your nearest chaplain or read our support pages.
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