Hope &
Renewal
Caring for Seafarers visiting Sydney
We exist to provide hope & renewal to Seafarers.
Ships don’t bring us goods, people do: seafarers. The seafarers job exposes them to some of the most dangerous, lonely and isolating conditions to bring us more than 99% of our merchandise.
Chaplains
Counselling, advocacy, transport and prayer (if requested).
Our Centre
Practical services and a safe place to relax and recharge.
Connection
Services to reconnect with loved ones and life on land.
Your support.
Their livelihood.
Who cares for Seafarers? We do.
Since 1881, Mission to Seafarers Sydney has compassionately cared for seafarers visiting Sydney ports. We now provide wellbeing services and a warm welcome to approx. 10,000 seafarers per year.
However, with about 400,000 seafarers visiting Sydney annually, many are missing out.
Why do they need our help?
We get to go home at night, seafarers don’t. Often from the world’s poorest nations, seafarers spend about nine months at sea in tough conditions sending all the money they can to their families. Meanwhile they are missing birthdays, weddings anniversaries and celebrations. They can’t be there to help their loved ones through hard times or provide a hug to lift spirits. Our free services make it a little easier for them to reconnect with their families, recharge their strength and renew their spirits.
Real stories.Harsh realities.
Meet Ten-Ten
Meet Pierre
Meet Umed
Where is a safe harbour for Seafarers? With us.
“My stomach hurt so bad my ship left me here in hospital alone [appendectomy]. I needed to tell my family I was OK. I tried but the hospital people couldn’t understand. They called Rev Tay. He came straight away with bathroom supplies – and what I needed most: an adaptor so I could charge my phone in Sydney. He helped me understand what was going on and visited me many times”.
Joseph Cruz
The numbers
& the human reality.
99%
400k
Seafarers hit Sydney ports each year & need support.
>50%
prevalence of depression and anxiety in Seafarers.
12+
65%
Are deeply concerned about ship safety & piracy.
7/10
Seafarers report being exhausted & sleep deprived.
