Fast Facts about us

Mission Statement

Seafarer’s Friend comes alongside the maritime community with

Friendship, Faith, and Hospitality

Overview

¨ Founded and incorporated in 1827 in Boston as The Boston Seaman’s Friend Society

¨ Governed by Board Directors of up to 12 members

¨ Chaplains in three ports:

+ Boston, MA – Ralph L. Garrett Seafarers Center

+ Portsmouth, NH – Chaplain Office only

+ Portland, ME – Chaplain Office only

+ Also visiting ships in Salem, MA, and soon Searsport, ME

¨ Staff and Volunteers

+ Leadership: Executive Director and 2 Chaplain Coordinator

+ Office Manager

+ 9 Chaplains visiting and transporting seafarers

+ Hundreds of volunteers throughout New England and many placed through the US knitting hats, providing ditty bags, magazines, and puzzles

Services Offered

¨ Chaplain services

+ Compassionate Conversation

+ Liturgy and Prayer

+ Counsel and Guidance

+ Bibles and Devotional Material given as requested

+ Crisis Ministry

¨ Hospitality

¨ Friendly, Caring, Listening Presence

¨ Information about each area

¨ Advocacy or Mediation to improve relationships between crew or with port personnel

¨ Phones and phone cards, especially for detained seafarers

¨ Transport to area shops

¨ Internet access, phones, and activities at the center

¨ Puzzles, magazines, books, DVDs, warm clothing, ditty bags containing personal items

¨ Mentored ministry/internships for seminary students

¨ Chaplain-for-a-Day; an experience of growth and learning for church leaders

Professional Associations

¨ North American Maritime Ministry Association

¨ Propeller Clubs of Boston, Portsmouth, Portland

¨ Denominations supporting the ministry include Baptist, Congregational, Episcopal, Methodist, as well as many individual congregations.

 

Statistics for 2008

 

 

 

 

Seafarer's Friend

Coming alongside the maritime community with friendship, faith, and hospitality