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.
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.
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…
Charity Commission England and Wales Registration No: 209133
Irish Charities Regulator Registered No: 20200276
UK Company Registration No: 378765
