For over 170 years, we have provided a lifeline to men and women, from all nations, who work at sea. Our chaplains, with your support, offer compassion, friendship and support for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
If you or a loved one have ever had to isolate or remain housebound, you’ll know the feeling of disconnection that seafarers feel on a much bigger scale. With quick turnarounds at port, they rarely have the opportunity to leave their ship and get on dry land.
Over the years, our chaplains and volunteer ship visitors have boarded thousands of ships when they arrive in port and have connected with tens of thousands of crew, both male and female, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Many seafarers and their families are feeling the stress, anxiety and uncertainty of the current situation in the Middle East.
ISWAN have produced helpful guides for the seafarers who are affected by conflict in the Middle East. There is Practical Guidance for crew who have been stranded onboard.This guidance shares tips on how you can manage essential resources and support each other. Coping With Conflict, offers key ways to protect seafarers’ wellbeing and support to their families during this time.
23rd April 2026
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) have published a new MIN notice (MIN 734) providing guidance for shipowners, fishing vessel owners, seafarers, and fishers affected by the evolving situation in the Middle East. It highlights the charity and welfare support available to seafarers, fishers, retired seafarers, cadets and their families across the United Kingdom, by providing a clear route to help for those experiencing hardship, isolation, stress, or any welfare-related difficulty.
This notice directs users to the UK’s central maritime welfare directory, maintained by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB), which acts as the primary and continually updated source of information on maritime charity services. With the heightened international uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, these services provide trusted, practical support for seafarers and their families who may be affected by challenging or destabilising circumstances.
For up to nine months many seafarers seldom have the opportunity to come on shore from their ship.
Over 35 Port Chaplains and Volunteer Ship Visitors meet seafarers on board merchant ships in over 20 ports.
SCFS wouldn’t exist without the vital involvement and support of individuals, churches and businesses. Find out how.
Your generous donations and gifts allow us to share the Gospel, serve and provide vital support to seafarers.
Please take a few moments to watch the SCFS video. This will give you great insight into the work of Seafarers’ Christian Friend Society around the world. Click the play button below to begin.
For over 170 years, we have provided a lifeline to men and women, from all nations, who work at sea. Our chaplains, with your support, offer compassion, friendship and support for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Seafarers regularly tell our visitors about spending their lives thousands of miles from home. As well as the obvious problems of spending so long away from loved ones, seafarers can also encounter difficulties and struggle to readjust when they return home.
SCFS wouldn’t be able to befriend and support seafarers without financial donations from people like you, our generous friends and supporters. Here are some simple ways that your financial support can help us do this work best.
Celebrating our seafarers around the globe, from Alaska to Ireland.
Providing a practical service for the seafarers.
John shares a seafarer's childhood memory.
Catch an insight into Wanda's visit on Silver Moon...
Introducing our new work in Alaska...
Another new open door for SCFS Belfast...
Sam was privileged to hold the first service onboard.
Over the past few months Colin has been reminded by the importance of simply "being there" for seafarers.
Jae's latest updates offer a window into the world of seafarers....
Watch this video to gain an insight into Peter's day as he goes ship visiting...
News, stories and snapshots in our Spring 2025 Helmsman magazine – available to download.
We're hiring a Marketing & Social Media Manager.
Congratulations to Peter Wells, Portsmouth Volunteer Port Chaplain, on his well deserved award!
Harry Pottinger, SCFS Shetland Chaplain, shares how his life was dramatically changed while he was working as a Chief Engineer on an old bulk carrier...
Serita, had the wonderful idea of embroidering the Gospel colours onto woolly hats. Here’s her story!
John is busy visiting the cruise ships in St Lucia. Read on to discover more about the joy he is bringing onboard….
Mike was “iced in”, but Elie and Michael came to the rescue in delivering more post Christmas gifts…
John’s first ship visit of the New Year.
Jae reflects on his Christmas ship visitations…
Sam and Pauline brought joy to the port on Christmas Day…
Lorraine experienced her first merchant ship visit while distributing Christmas gifts...
SCFS Cork greet the crew in the port after an exceedingly long voyage...
Mike, Elie and Michael were busy over the Christmas season delivering the gifts from Ferryden and Montrose ladies....
Sam shares a clip of Christmas Day Onboard The Spitsbergen
Following on from the recent Carol Service onboard the Spitsbergen, Sam was asked to take a Christmas Communion Service…
Christmas snippets from Colin in Cork...
Jae recalls some of the highs and lows the seafarers are experiencing as Christmas approaches...
Mike Burleigh, Montrose Port Chaplain, reports on delivering Christmas Presents in Montrose Port From 19th Decemember….
Sam conducts a carol service on board the Spitsbergen cruise ship.
Harbour Hope project is well under way in Belfast port…
Andy Burns, Port Chaplain delivers Christmas gifts to delighted seafarers in Warrenpoint.
Thankful for supporters in Kilkeel & Kilhorne...
Ferryden and Montrose ladies pack gifts of love & joy for lonely seafarers…
This Christmas, Hamilton Road Baptist held a special church family event to make up Christmas packs for the seafarers.
Doreen Gover, a long time supporter of the work of SCFS, celebrates turning 100!
SCFS family and friends gathered together for An Evening of Prayer and Celebration...
SCFS Philippines shares on the faithfulness of God in a time of seeking a new direction…
The joy and privilege of hosting a family devotion...
Iain reflects on some of the highlights and challenges over the past year...
Reflections from one of our female ship visitors...
This annual event took place in Larne on the 3rd September...
SCFS have been working in partnership with Our Daily Bread to produce postcards of encouragement for seafarers.
SCFS enjoyed participating in various conventions this summer.
Peter & Hermie raising the profile of SCFS at the New Life Conference.
Read about the Tall Ships visit to Aberdeen and the latest prayer news...
Keith Oliver was presented with an award in recognition of over 30 years of service.
At the SCFS conference, June 2025, we introduced and celebrated our SCFS Ambassadors...
Services play a large part in the SCFS chaplain and ship visitors' ministry among the seafarers, whether it is holding a worship service or carrying out small acts of service...
Peter joins in the celebrations onboard the HMS Wellington
News from the ports...
In the latest "Dispatches From Aberdeen", Iain shares about his first few months as port chaplain in Aberdeen.
Enhancing the seafarers' lounge in Portland.
An encouraging message for SCFS....
Seafarers enjoy taking a break on shore...
Catch a glimpse of SCFS in action!
The gift of hospitality and friendship in Emden...
News and stories in our Spring 2025 Helmsman magazine - available to download.
Richard reports on his placement with SCFS in Portsmouth.
Iain writes about starting out as Port Chaplain in Aberdeen..
Sam enjoys a visit at the historic Sailors Church in Belfast...
SCFS say Thanks to their faithful knitters!
Iain, our new SCFS Port Chaplain in Aberdeen, was recently interviewed by the Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles.
Getting onboard with table football!
Mike reflects on how the Lord has answered prayers in Montrose...
A heartwarming Christmas tale from Cork.
In the latest 'Cowan's Log', Sam reflects on 2024 and looks towards the year ahead with SCFS Belfast.
Here is an extract from Jae’s recent prayer letter, “If I only touch his cloak”: “Recently a Filipino seafarer told me it was his first time to worship the Lord with songs, reading the Bible and prayers in 8 months…”
In the latest “Dispatches From Aberdeen”, Iain shares about his new role as port chaplain in Aberdeen.
Mike shares about a weekly ship onboard Bible study, "Storybook Bibles for families" and "Messroom Messages".
News from SCFS Dublin
Ferryden people reach out to the world which daily sails past their doors.
Read on to hear about Colin's deputations, opportunities and Christmas preparations...
Introducing "The Seafarer's Family - Reality or Illusion" by Martin Otto.
Sam's trip to Fairview Primary SU to share about our work with the seafarers...
Celebrating Sam's 25th Anniversary as SCFS Belfast Port Chaplain
SCFS chaplains and ship visitors seek to encourage Christian seafarers to meet together as a fellowship. Read on to discover more about "Church on the Ocean".
John gives an update on the new cruising season.
A game of chess leads to a chat about the King of Life...
An update from the new SCFS team...
Colin shares about cruise ship visits, the Cobh Seafarers Centre and new volunteers in his latest prayer letter, "Harbour Lights, Cork Tides".
News and stories in our Autumn 2024 Helmsman magazine - available to download.
Peter & Hermie ship visiting in Portsmouth.
Congratulations to Sam Cowan on receiving the MNWB Lifetime Achievement Award.
Colin shares an article circulated across the ship written by the HR Manager...
Sam represents SCFS on Merchant Navy Day.
Mike shares the heart of the Montrose Mission Project...
A centre for seafarers...
Extracts from Mike's 'Log Book' and his conversations with Rio give insight into the Montrose Port Chaplaincy Project, 'Seafarers Looking to Jesus'.
Rio, shares his testimony with Mike, SCFS Montrose port chaplain.
A man opens his door to sailors from around the world.
Hermie, one of our SCFS Portsmouth Ship Visitors, writes about her recent visit home, when she was also able to visit the SCFS Manila team.
Discover about Sharon's experiences as she joined the Portsmouth team...
Iain writes about his upcoming move to work for SCFS in Aberdeen.
Encouraging Update on SCFS Belfast.
"Finally, I'm able to see my son!" A heart felt message from Pascha, a Lithuanian seafarer...
Jessica shares an insight into the multi-faceted work of SCFS in the Philippines.
Tony shares about an innovative ministry to the seafarers in Portsmouth.
Sam Cowan represents SCFS at a celebratory service.
Read the latest news from Theo & Yvonne...
Sam reports on his first cruise ship visit of the season...
Jae shares about some of his recent encounters with seafarers...
The SCFS Philippines team enjoyed a visit on board Doulos Hope...
Highlights from recent ship visitations in Amsterdam, including "Tulip-Action"....
A SCFS Chaplain shares how his life was dramatically changed while he was working as a deck hand on a banana cargo ship.
Good News for Everyone!
Gordon shares about the work with the seafarers in Foynes-Limerick.
New SCFS Limerick team member turns on the heat...
The Cork team comes to the aid of stranded fishermen.
Ryan, a cook from the Philippines, shares how he almost became a murderer!
How a search for batteries led to an opportunity to share the Good News.
How God answered a seafarer’s prayer…
