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.
By The Revd Canon Andrew Wright
Taking part in ship blessing ceremonies, especially when they are named, always a privilege. An old Captain once said to me that “seamanship can only get you so far, after that there is only God”.
Seafarers are perhaps among the most religious, or at least the most spiritually sensitive, groups in the world. No surprise. After all, they live closer to the elements than most of us.
The ever-changing winds, weathers and seas cannot easily be shut out by doors, windows and walls. They impact on every moment of the waking and sleeping life of a crew. That can bring a very special sense of God and of utter dependence. It may be that the ever more visible impacts of climate change will bring that sense to others.
As I write, we are seeing it in the searing and record-breaking temperatures in Europe and far beyond and in the changing patterns and intensity of rain, storm and flood across so many parts of the world (with a special impact on a number of the main nations from which seafarers are drawn). How I hope that will lead to global action on the necessary scale.
At The Mission to Seafarers, we are also considering what further actions we should take. This is the context of ship blessings which can mean so much to seafarers, not least after a tragedy on board. It is one thing Mission chaplains are always happy to do.
Such blessings are a recognition of our need of God, of his love, of his forgiveness, of his guidance, of his blessing. They are a necessary and healthy recognition of our own fallibility and weakness. After all, as the old Celtic prayer says: “O God, thy sea is so great and my boat is so small.”
The Revd Canon Andrew Wright is secretary general of The Mission to Seafarers.
A prayer for seafarers
O Lord God Almighty, let your blessing be upon this ship and upon all those who will serve and sail in her.
May the strength of God pilot them. May the power of God preserve them.
May the hand of God protect them. May the way of God direct them.
May good success, your protection and the guardianship of the Holy Angels always be with them.
In times of danger be their help and defence and bring them safely into port.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen
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