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The Mission to Seafarers is an Anglican-rooted charity that has run seafarer welfare centres — historically known as Flying Angel clubs — in port cities since 1856. The Mission operates in over 200 ports across more than 50 countries and is one of the two largest seafarer-welfare networks in the world (alongside the Catholic Stella Maris / Apostleship of the Sea). It is non-denominational in practice and provides services to all seafarers regardless of faith.
Caring for seafarers' wellbeing — physical, emotional, social, and spiritual — through chaplains, ship visits, port-side centres, and 24-hour helplines.
A Mission centre typically has a multilingual welcome area, free wifi, comfortable seating, a chapel or quiet room, a small shop selling SIM cards and toiletries, and often transport to and from the ship. Chaplains visit ships in port and offer confidential support; they do not require you to attend any religious service. Many centres offer money-changing or remittance assistance, port-area maps, and help arranging hospital or consular visits when needed.
Bring your seaman's discharge book or seafarer ID for any service that requires verification (typically not needed for casual visits — wifi, the shop, transport — but useful for legal aid, helpline cases, and any chaplain-mediated advocacy). If you plan to use a SIM card or remittance service, bring a working unlocked phone and a small amount of local currency or a card.