Deutsche Seemannsmission
About
Deutsche Seemannsmission (DSM) is the German Protestant seafarer-welfare ministry, founded in 1900. DSM operates port chaplaincies and centres in Germany (Hamburg, Bremen, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven, Brunsbuettel, Stade, Lubeck, Rostock, Kiel) and abroad (Antwerp, Rotterdam, the US Gulf, China, the Philippines). DSM cooperates closely with the Mission to Seafarers, Stella Maris, and Sailors' Society as a member of the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA).
Mission
Care for seafarers regardless of nationality, faith, or rank, through ship visits, port-side centres, mental-health support, and legal advocacy.
What to expect at a centre
DSM centres in Germany — particularly the Duckdalben centre in Hamburg, an international award winner — are among the largest and best-equipped seafarer welfare facilities in the world: free wifi, restaurant, shop, transport, chapel, and a wide range of cultural activities. Smaller German DSM centres still provide all core services.
What to bring
Bring your seaman's book for the Schengen-entry paperwork and your photo ID for the shop and any money-changing service. Cash in Euros is useful for the shop; cards are normally accepted.