The Mission to Seafarers

20/08/2026

We're delighted to welcome three new leaders to The Mission to Seafarers' Global Ambassadors Programme.

They join a global network of senior maritime figures helping to raise awareness, shape conversations, champion seafarer welfare and support initiatives that make a lasting difference to the people who keep global trade moving. Each brings extensive experience, industry influence, and a shared passion for improving the wellbeing of seafarers around the world.

Please join us in welcoming: Costis Frangoulis, Dimitris Patrikios and Alex Hartnoll to our distinguished network of ambassadors.

19/08/2026

The story of The Mission to Seafarers is one of people.

For 170 years, dedicated volunteers, staff and chaplains have built, sustained and expanded our work across continents and generations, ensuring seafarers continue to receive the care and support they need.

As we mark this milestone anniversary, we're shining a light on some of the remarkable individuals whose vision, commitment and compassion helped shape The Mission to Seafarers into the organisation it is today.

18/08/2026

170 years of service. Seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Stories from ports around the world.

The latest issue of Flying Angel News (FAN), our free magazine from The Mission to Seafarers, is here, packed with updates on the vital work we do supporting seafarers worldwide.

Dive into this issue of FAN here: https://bit.ly/4x2g4EQ

17/08/2026

The Q2 2026 Seafarers Happiness Index reveals shore leave scores falling to 5.72 - the lowest of any category by a significant margin - with time ashore increasingly sacrificed to intense schedules, short port stays and restricted terminal access.

Workload management scored just 6.20, amid a relentless cycle of six-on, six-off watchkeeping, rapid turnarounds and heavy paperwork. Most alarmingly, some crews reported rest hours being recorded "just for authorities and filing" rather than reflecting reality.

These are not isolated issues. They are the daily norms shaping life at sea.

🔗 Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/4xg5olw

15/08/2026

We're hiring! The Mission to Seafarers is looking for a Corporate Partnerships Officer to join our Development team in London. It's a great opportunity to help build relationships with the companies that support seafarers around the world.

📍 London (hybrid)
💰 £28,000–£30,000
⏳ Applications close 12 noon, Friday 4 September 2026

Find out more and apply: https://bit.ly/3RRHdep

14/08/2026

When our chaplains board a ship, seafarers often ask one simple question: are we safe?

Revd John Attenborough, our Regional Director for the Middle East and South Asia, has spent more than thirty years with The Mission to Seafarers. Based in Limassol, Cyprus, he sees first-hand how the conflict in the Middle East and the Gulf is affecting crews, from trauma and anxiety about further attacks to fear for their families back home.

Being a familiar, welcoming presence in unfamiliar ports is at the heart of the ministry. In a world of apps and chatbots, the people we support still value human connection above all.

Read the full story on Anglican News: https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2026/08/%E2%80%98a-friendly-face-in-a-foreign-place%E2%80%99-the-mission-to-seafarers-brings-hope-in-rough-seas.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawTqoMRwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTgwVzVuODBXTFd6N2J0WTdzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEen-qCp-ltfaGntiKhu0Zjdwz2pAJDUAi0ReTXafJ512Ju21RtR6bErQ-hwa8_aem_eAjtpR_VdvN5c-wkdjNXVw

The Revd John Attenborough, the Regional Director for Mission to Seafarers in the Middle East and South Asia (MESA), reflects upon his 30 years of experience.

14/08/2026

This year's Seafarers Awards raffle is stacked with prizes worth getting excited about!

One lucky winner will take home a $1,000 SGD travel voucher from ATPI.

One more winner will enjoy two vouchers for a curated 3-course gourmet lunch by MasterChef Singapore 2023 winner Chef Inderpal Singh at the Albatross Island Restaurant, with island views aboard a luxury tall ship at Lazarus Island, courtesy of Tallship: https://bit.ly/4wqvAsU

A further winner will receive two Category 1 tickets to see Lan Shui and Liao Chang Yong perform Songs of a Wayfarer on Friday, 29 January 2027.

Raffle tickets can be purchased during the awards at S$50 for 3 strips.

Read about this year's Awards: https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/events/seafarers-awards-2026

12/08/2026

If we genuinely want a more diverse maritime industry, how do we behave to enable that?

In his latest blog, Peter reflects on why lasting change comes not only through policies and campaigns, but through questioning assumptions, mentoring colleagues and ensuring opportunities are genuinely open to all.

Read: https://bit.ly/3RDfaiC

11/08/2026

The Mission to Seafarers celebrates its 170th anniversary this year. Over the years, much has changed. What began as a one-man operation serving seafarers in the harbours around Bristol has grown into an international charity supporting seafarers in more than 200 ports across 50 countries.

Below, we share a little about our founding story. While the organisation has evolved over time, our purpose remains unchanged: to care for those who work at sea. Discover how The Mission to Seafarers began and how a holiday inspired a change that would benefit generations of seafarers.

Look out for more posts in the coming weeks as we share the stories, people and milestones that have shaped our history.

10/08/2026

The Seafarers Happiness Index for Q2 2026 shows that the hoped-for recovery after a difficult start to the year has not materialised, with scores falling for a second consecutive quarter to 6.87/10.

Where Q1's decline was driven by an acute shock, Q2's fall reflects chronic, structural strain: limited shore leave, excessive workloads, and pay that increasingly fails to match the sacrifice being asked of crews.

Seafarers need continued support, advocacy and action, not complacency.

🔗 Read the full Q2 2026 findings report here: https://bit.ly/4xg5olw