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.
This November will mark two years since Revd Dennis Woodward started his role as Chaplain to the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. While initially working as a Curate at St. Stephen’s Church in Tonbridge, his wife spotted the role in the Church Times, and with their desire to move back home, they decided to go for what Revd Dennis calls an “unorthodox journey back to his home country”.
The best part of his job is visiting ships in Europe’s biggest port, as it allows him to be at the forefront of providing aid and assistance to people who are in need.
“I like the missional model and hospitality side of what I get to do: the fact that I get to go to the people and serve them, rather than expecting them to come to me.”
Revd Dennis who describes his appointment as “God’s way of calling us back home” admits that even though he has had his fair share of challenges, as with any role, this is outweighed by the many positives which makes it all worthwhile.
For example, he recently embarked on two separate trips to the UK where he was able to travel to Wales and was hosted by MtS South Wales Port Chaplain, Mark Lawson-Jones, and to MtS Southampton where he was welcomed by MtS Port Chaplain John Attenborough.
While in Wales in June, he visited Alexandra Docks in the Port of Newport, where he was able to go onboard the Longdijk and meet the Captain who also happened to be Dutch. Revd Dennis recalls this to be one of the most memorable experience during his trip: “it was so encouraging to be able to support him in Dutch, which was unexpected for both of us”.
During his trip to Southampton in August, the busiest cruise port in the UK, he was joined by a special guest, the Rt Revd David Williams, the Bishop of Basingstoke. Along with Port Chaplain John, they were given a tour by the Master of the 368-metre UASC container ship, the Al Mashrab.
Revd Dennis says he is “grateful to have been given the opportunity to make these trips”. It was brilliant to deepen friendships, enriching to shadow other port chaplains, and a privilege to learn from them and pick up exciting new ideas which can be implemented at his own port, the Port of Rotterdam. It’s been a refreshing Summer!
If you are a seafarer looking for help, then please contact your nearest chaplain or read our support pages.
Find out moreCelebrate the life of someone you care about by giving in their memory to supporting the vital work undertaken by Seafarers worldwide.
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Find out moreMake a donation quickly and easily online. Help us support the 1.5 million seafarers who risk their lives every day to support our global economy.
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