Earlier this year, the Mission’s Middle East and South Asia (MESA) Region hosted a conference, which included a session on how to plan and prepare for successful ship visits.
Led by Regional Director Revd. John Attenborough, the session, highlighted the considerations made ahead of ship visits. These included following the safety and security protocols set out by the ports, identifying priority visits depending on welfare needs and ideal times to visit, selecting materials to take on board, how to engage with seafarers while onboard to make the most of the visit and much more. The session and subsequent discussions emphasised how much effort and care goes into planning ship visits to ensure crews are well supported.
Four ports offer insight into their ship visit preparations:
Bangkok, Thailand
In bustling ports like Bangkok, logistics are essential. Our team carefully studies arrival and departure schedules to maximise their time and effort, focusing on ships that are less likely to have interacted with the Mission.
Shipping agents serve as gatekeepers to boarding. Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with them, especially when addressing welfare concerns.
Bangkok is distinct for hosting reefer ships, which spend months at sea collecting fish. These vessels dock at secluded private terminals, where we provide portable Wi-Fi for crew members to contact their families and transport them to visit the town.
Goole, UK
Located about 50 miles from the North Sea, Goole is the UK’s most inland port and can host up to eight vessels simultaneously. Our ship visitors, Steve and Frankie, typically conduct visits on Sunday afternoons, with preparations beginning the day before.
They use Marine Traffic and Ship Visitor apps alongside port authority forecasts, and the Mission’s WhatsApp groups to monitor ships, identify welfare needs, and prioritise visits.
Before visiting, Steve and Frankie meet to finalise plans, review safety protocols, and check their materials. They always dedicate their time to the Lord in prayer.
Vancouver, Canada
In Vancouver, strong partnerships with the port, terminal operators, and relevant organisations are crucial for ship visits, where strict protocols are enforced. All our ship visitors complete terminal orientation, and the Ship Welfare Visitor Course, and must wear protective gear.
The team uses the International Christian Maritime Association’s Ship Visitor app and the port app to gather detailed information on crews, welfare needs, and prior visits.
This preparation ensures that when we step on the gangway, we make the most of our limited time. Our logo is always visible, so crews immediately recognise us. We offer care packages, treats, and spiritual materials, and are careful to respect the crew’s space and time.
Wellington, New Zealand
We aim to visit every ship in port, emailing a few days ahead to offer our support. This includes unlimited free Wi-Fi, SIM cards, gifts, counselling and transport into town. We also add a personal touch—if it’s a seafarer’s birthday, we greet them with gifts and a rendition of “Happy Birthday.” It always makes crews smile and we’re often the only ones to acknowledge their special day.
Our pastoral care is vital too. Recently, we helped a crew member who was denied permission to visit a doctor for a suspected broken arm. The good relationship we have with the local authorities and hospitals meant we could help the seafarer get the treatment he urgently needed.
We’re fortunate to have two Filipino volunteers on our team. Jon and Jairuss are former cargo seafarers now based in New Zealand. Their visits are especially meaningful for Filipino crews who enjoy speaking with them in Tagalog and listening to their stories.
