Richard, a retired secondary school Religious Education teacher and a Church of England minister, has served as a Reader (Licensed Lay Minister) for thirty seven years, and more recently as an ordained priest.

As part of my second year of curacy, I needed a one-month placement in another church or chaplaincy. Just before Christmas 2024, I contacted Peter Wells, SCFS Port Chaplain, to explore the possibility of joining the Portsmouth Team. Peter, unfamiliar with this type of request, kindly investigated, and soon we met in person with Ship Visitor, Hermie Santos. We shared our testimonies and discussed the spiritual and practical aspects of ship visiting. Before long, I received application forms, with the wonderfully inventive title ‘Ad Hoc Volunteer’ – or as I like to think of it, ‘Needed Volunteer.’

SCFS provides excellent online training, with accessible text and video content designed for those unfamiliar with the life of seafarers. I took extra time to make notes and reflect, but nothing compares to first-hand experience. This ‘Needed Volunteer’ quickly realized how much I depended on the wisdom and guidance of Peter and the Portsmouth team. Their faith, encouragement, and generosity are truly inspiring.

The training highlighted how seafarers often face loneliness and isolation, spending months at sea with limited communication and shore leave. But it wasn’t until my first ship visit that this became a reality. As Peter and I entered the mess, twelve smiling crew members greeted us, eager for conversation. We shared the good news of Jesus, offering seafarers Bibles, books, and woolly hats. Soon, a barge arrived from the Isle of Wight, and the men rushed off to bring aboard a wind turbine blade. The ship’s master returned later to apologize and express his gratitude: “We are pretty isolated, and it’s good to know people care about us sea people. We can feel forgotten.”

God’s guiding hand has been evident throughout my placement. Aboard the MS Borealis, Brian, Angela, and I experienced a series of divine appointments. We were directed to connect with a seafarer who SCFS can support in his ministry, providing Christian fellowship among the crew. Later, in the freezing February air, we met JR, mopping the deck. He was delighted to receive a warm knitted hat and spoke about his family in the Philippines. When asked if he was a Christian, he responded, “Yes, born again.” He explained that while the chaplain led Sunday worship, there was no regular fellowship. We prayed for JR and his family, also asking God to provide other believers with whom he could meet. Soon after we met Joshua who is also born again. We encouraged him, saying, “Do you know JR? He’s looking for someone to pray with!” What a joy to see God at work.

I wholeheartedly recommend placements with SCFS as it truly opens a window into a hidden world. My prayers for seafarers will now be deeply personal. A huge thank you to Peter, Tony, Brian, Angela, Hermie, and Sharon for making me feel so welcome.

To those considering this ministry – step aboard. You’ll be blessed beyond measure!

Richard Shurmer, Ship Visitor, Portsmouth