Mission to Seafarers, Yokohama

07/10/2026

A few more good days of ship visiting in Yokohama, with plenty of opportunities to meet seafarers from around the world, share conversation, offer practical help and hear something about life on board.

One particularly interesting discovery this week was seeing fresh salad and vegetables being grown on board in specially designed, computer-controlled growing units. A clever way of providing fresh produce during long periods at sea — and certainly something we hadn’t encountered before!

On another vessel, our visit coincided with 11 new crew members joining the ship. With plenty of luggage to get aboard, one of our volunteers was soon lending a hand and helping carry suitcases up the gangway.

Sometimes ship visiting is about conversation and listening; sometimes it is simply about being there at the right moment and offering an extra pair of hands.

Another varied and rewarding few days alongside the seafarers who visit Yokohama.

29/09/2026

Despite some really heavy rain we had a good time visiting ships in the Port of Yokohama together with William one of our volunteer ship visitors who was able to practice his Chinese language skills on one vessel. 谢谢 Xièxie

18/09/2026

It was good to be back on familiar ground in Yokohama this morning, helping out with a round of ship visiting. I spent over 10 years doing this in Yokohama, so returning again, even just for a morning, felt a bit nostalgic. I visited five ships and spoke with seafarers from places like the Philippines, Indonesia, Korea, Bulgaria, talking about life on board, families back home, and when they might next see home themselves. I was also able to give a lift to a group heading into Tokyo to make the most of their time ashore. Now, Dick has been in post for just over six months, and naturally, brings his own style and emphasis. That’s part of the richness of this ministry. Each of us brings something of ourselves to the role, but the heart of it remains the same. Being present, listening, and reminding seafarers that they’re not forgotten. In ports all around the world, chaplains and volunteers do the same every day. Boarding, ships, sharing conversations, and offering small but real signs of care. It was a very good morning in Yokohama and very good to be back.

09/09/2026

04/09/2026

The September issue of The Sea is out now!

is a quarterly publication from The Mission to Seafarers, bringing together the latest news, stories and developments affecting the seafaring community. It's made for seafarers, by the people who care for them around the world.

This issue covers everything from AI-powered growing units bringing fresh greens to crews thousands of miles from land, to a new digital tool giving seafarers ownership of their own career records, plus wellbeing, health and industry insight throughout.

Get your free digital copy delivered straight to your inbox! Just fill out the quick form via this link: https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/the-sea

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

Great to have the opportunity to visit ships in the Port of Yokohama today with Dennis. Lots of good interactions with seafarers who thankfully are enjoying a good time on board their vessels. Some shore leave opportunities for some and the chance to speak about life on board and family at home with others. We are thankful as always for the warm hospitality we receive.

12/08/2026

05/03/2026

Our welfare teams in the Middle East remain operational, and we continue to support abandonment cases, arrange emergency deliveries of food and water to vessels in need, and provide remote welfare assistance where physical access is not possible.

Our teams on the ground in the UAE, Bahrain, Cyprus, and Aqaba (Jordan) are ready to provide practical and emotional support when you need it most.

If you need support or just someone to talk to, help is available.
📧 Email: [email protected]
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