Who We Are

Our mission at Seafarer's Friend is to extend the ministry of the churches to meet the unmet spiritual, social and practical needs of seafarers in the New England Maritime Community. Founded and incorporated in 1827 in Boston as The Boston Seaman’s Friend Society.

​What We Do

Hospitality

We engage seafarers, their families and community by visiting aboard ships, welcoming and hosting seafarers ashore and being attentive to their needs, including ways to contact home, a clean and safe place to relax offshore, transportation to shopping centers, as well as social, educational and recreational activities.

Advocacy

We empower seafarers, their families and community to address concerns of health, safety and working/living conditions aboard ship through mediation and through an international network whose only concern is the well being of seafarers.

 Pastoral Care

We encourage seafarers, their families and community in the nurture of faith by making available bibles and support literature, chaplaincy services and connections to local communities of faith and by providing counseling for seafarers.

 Referral/ Information

We equip seafarers, their families and community to make informed decisions about their lives and work, by connecting seafarers with a supporting network of human services; including retirement, financial, job training, translators and medical services.

   And more... 

We are a 501c(3) Non-profit Mission supported entirely by partners, volunteers, supporting churches, and governed by Board of Directors.

     -Board of Directors and Executive Director

     -Part-time Administrative Support and Accountant

     -Part Time Chaplains and Volunteer Ship Visitors

     -Hundreds of volunteers throughout New England and the US donating their time, knitting hats, gloves and scarves, bringing in ditty bags and other donation items and spending time with seafarers from around the world.

 

             Multi-Denominational Ministry            

Congregational founders in 1827

Supported by Christians of many denominations, including: Baptist, Congregational, Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, as well as many independent congregations.

 

Memberships

International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) 
North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA)
New England Maritime Ministries Association (NEMMA) 
Propeller Clubs of Boston, Portsmouth, and Portland