The Mission to Seafarers

18/06/2026

When a ship's alarm systems generate thousands of alerts in minutes, the crew can no longer tell what's urgent and what isn't.

Asger Christian Schliemann Haug, lead data scientist at Lloyd's Register, has spent years investigating this problem and in January presented his findings to the IMO. His research, which involved speaking directly with seafarers and analysing data from ships, is now helping shape a new international standard for how alarm systems on board should be designed and managed.

"If you hear a chief engineer say they get too many alarms to even count, and then you see 4,000 alarms in ten minutes in the data, you know they're not exaggerating."

Read the full article in The Sea: https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/the-sea/from-research-to-regulation

17/06/2026

"English may serve as the working tongue of the sea, but it is by no means universal, and often it is inadequate."

After a recent visit to Greece, Peter reflects on the challenge of making The Mission's message understood across different cultures and languages, and why adapting how we communicate is essential to serving seafarers worldwide.

Read Peter's latest blog here:

“You can never say the same thing twice.” It has the cadence of something inherited, doesn’t it — a fragment of ancient wisdom perhaps, half-remembered from a philosopher whose name we recognise but seldom revisit. It sits neatly in quotation marks, held there as if in offering… but this o...

16/06/2026

When the captain mentioned that a chaplain from The Mission to Seafarers would be visiting, the relief on Sally’s face was immediate.

Many seafarers endure isolation, anxiety and family separation in silence, often without access to practical support or human connection.
For Sally, a third engineer from the Philippines, Ruth’s visit provided compassion and safety in a moment of need. A valuable reminder that she was seen, valued and not forgotten.

Take part in Sea Sunday this year on Sunday 12th July, and help us offer hope and connection to seafarers worldwide.

It’s easy to get involved - order your free pack with everything you need to hold a meaningful and engaging Sea Sunday event:
🔗https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/sea-sunday/order

15/06/2026

We join the international maritime community in congratulating Guy Platten on being appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours for his services to the maritime industry.

As Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, he led the industry's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was instrumental in securing ‘key worker’ status for seafarers worldwide.

Commenting on this achievement, he said: “I am deeply humbled and grateful to receive this OBE. It reflects the immense support of so many people over many years, and above all, the brave seafarers who keep our world moving. I am proud to continue highlighting their extraordinary work in my new role as Chair of The Mission to Seafarers.”

Guy has recently become Chair of the Trustees of The Mission to Seafarers (MtS), where he will help shape our work supporting seafarers worldwide.

A big congratulations from all of us at MtS, Guy. A very well-deserved recognition.

11/06/2026

When a ship's GPS is jammed or fed false information, the consequences can be catastrophic.

With incidents rocketing since the outbreak of war in the Persian Gulf, Felicity Landon hears from maritime safety experts on what crews can do when they can no longer trust what the screens are telling them - and why the best defence is often a return to the traditional navigation skills that technology has pushed aside.

Read the full article in The Sea: https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/the-sea/prepare-for-the-unexpected

10/06/2026

"The challenge is not simply to repeat our message more loudly or more often, but to listen more closely."

In his latest blog, Peter reflects on why the calling remains constant: to care for seafarers and their families, wherever they are. But how that calling is lived must remain responsive, flexible, alive.

Read Peter's latest blog here:

“You can never say the same thing twice.” It has the cadence of something inherited, doesn’t it — a fragment of ancient wisdom perhaps, half-remembered from a philosopher whose name we recognise but seldom revisit. It sits neatly in quotation marks, held there as if in offering… but this o...

09/06/2026

Seafarers are some of the most invisible and isolated heroes.

The work of The Mission to Seafarers reaches right into that isolation. Through ship visits, centres of welcome and simple acts of kindness, we offer recognition, reassurance and practical support, creating Harbours of Hope for those who serve us at sea.

This Sea Sunday, join churches around the world in reminding seafarers that they are seen and valued. Order your free Sea Sunday pack at the link below.

🔗 https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/sea-sunday/order

08/06/2026

Two teams. One company. One goal 🎯

With the Maritime Mountain Race event just weeks away, the MPC Mountain Pace Crew and MPC Capital Climbers are training hard 🏃

From weekly group runs in Hamburg to early morning sessions on business trips in Rotterdam, this is a genuine team effort; with serious miles being logged and MPC socks even making an appearance!

Support the MPC teams and help them reach their fundraising goal: https://www.maritimemountainrace.org/the-teams/

05/06/2026

As we near the end of Volunteers’ Week, we couldn’t let it pass without taking a moment to celebrate and thank the hundreds of incredible volunteers who help extend our reach worldwide.

At the heart of our ministry are people who give their time, compassion and energy so generously. Because of them, we are able to support seafarers around the world, offering vital help to those who spend long periods far from home.

Our volunteers serve in so many meaningful ways: visiting ships to offer a friendly face and a listening ear, driving seafarers to and from ports, welcoming them into our centres with warmth and hospitality, empowering the communities our seafarers come from, and so much more. Wherever they serve, they help ensure that seafarers feel seen, valued and cared for.

Without your help, we simply couldn’t carry out all the work we do. Your time and dedication make our work possible and bring immense value to the lives of seafarers. Thank you!

Find out more about our volunteers and opportunities to get involved here: https://bit.ly/4ftfiuE