The Mission to Seafarers Singapore

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

The Mission to Seafarers Singapore We strive to provide practical, emotional and spiritual support in Singapore to ALL passing seafarers and their families.

20/10/2026

19 Oct 2026 - A Voyage That Ended Before It Truly Began. A Life Gone Too Soon.

A seafarer arrived in Singapore to join his vessel, ready for another voyage, with the simple hope of returning home to his loved ones when his contract was over.

But sadly, he never made it.

Just one day after signing on, he passed away in his sleep.

Somewhere, a family is now grieving the loss of someone who left home expecting to return.

Yet another life lost at sea. Another family left with an emptiness that words cannot fill.

When The Mission to Seafarers Singapore (MtSS) was alerted, we made our way to the vessel at anchorage to offer spiritual and pastoral support to the grieving crew. Day or night, even amid the haze and challenging PSI levels, our commitment remains the same, to be there when seafarers need us most.

In moments like these, there are no easy words. Sometimes, all we can offer is our presence, a listening ear, a prayer, and the reassurance that they are not alone.

This is the part of our work that rarely makes the headlines.

Behind every ship are human lives, families waiting at home, and hopes of a safe return.

We cannot undo what has happened or bring a loved one home. But we can stand alongside those who grieve and remind them that, even in the loneliness of the sea, someone cares.

Our hearts and prayers are with the bereaved family and the crew who must now continue their voyage carrying the weight of this loss.

For us at MtSS, this is more than a duty. It is a calling to care, to serve, and to be present when it matters most.

The Mission to Seafarers Singapore — A Caring Presence, Even in Life’s Darkest Hours.

13 Oct - Mental Health Matters. Because Every Seafarer Matters.In conjunction with World Mental Health Day, The Mission ...
14/10/2026

13 Oct - Mental Health Matters. Because Every Seafarer Matters.

In conjunction with World Mental Health Day, The Mission to Seafarers Singapore (MtSS), together with the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU), organised a meaningful evening at our newly relocated Seafarers’ Lounge in Jurong Port, bringing together some 30 seafarers from Vietnam, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela and other parts of the world.

It was especially heartening to have Capt. Fared Khan from Circle DV share his personal story and an inspiring video, reminding our seafarers that mental health struggles are not always visible, that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that no one should have to face their struggles alone.

The evening was also a wonderful expression of Singapore’s tripartite partnership, where government, industry and unions work alongside welfare organisations like MtSS to ensure that the well-being of seafarers remains a priority.

Singapore is recognised as one of the world’s leading maritime hubs. But beyond our infrastructure, technological advancements and achievements, what truly matters is that we continue to put people at the heart of our maritime community.

Because caring for seafarers is not just about the ships they sail on, but the lives they live.

5 Oct - Living Out Our Mission — Caring for Seafarers Around the World, Regardless of Race, Nationality or Religion.Sund...
05/10/2026

5 Oct - Living Out Our Mission — Caring for Seafarers Around the World, Regardless of Race, Nationality or Religion.

Sunday afternoon, we at The Mission to Seafarers Singapore (MtSS) received a message from George Ko Ko Gyi, our counterpart in Myanmar. A seafarer had been hospitalised here in Singapore.

We immediately reached out to the local agent, received permission to visit, and made our way to the hospital.

We were not there to investigate. We were simply there to care — to sit with a seafarer far from home, to listen, to offer encouragement.

This is what partnership in the global maritime community looks like to us.

A colleague in Myanmar reaches out. An agent in Singapore opens the door. And together, across borders, organisations and nationalities, we make sure a seafarer in need is duly cared for.

Shipping connects the world through trade. But it is relationships, trust and a shared concern for people that connect the maritime community.

For us at MtSS, this is our Mission Statement lived out in a very simple way: wherever seafarers come from, whatever their race, nationality or religion, when they need us, we will be there.

28 September 2026 marks another significant milestone for The Mission to Seafarers Singapore (MtSS), with the official o...
05/10/2026

28 September 2026 marks another significant milestone for The Mission to Seafarers Singapore (MtSS), with the official opening of MPA’s new Seafarers’ Lounge at Tuas Mega Port Finger 2.

It was a joy to welcome our Guest of Honour, Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), together with Capt. M Segar, Chief Marine Officer of MPA; Sister Mary Liew, General Secretary of the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU); Ms. Seow Hwee, Managing Director, PSA Port Ecosystem and Tuas Terminals; and Mr. Lars Kastrup, Chairman of MtSS, alongside distinguished guests and friends from across the maritime community.

The occasion also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between MPA and MtSS, represented by Mr. Cheah Aun Aun for MPA and Mr. Toh Soon Kok, Executive Director of MtSS. More than a signing, it reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that seafarer welfare remains an important part of Singapore’s continued growth as a global maritime hub.

In 2019, MPA entrusted MtSS to operate the Seafarers’ Lounge at PSA Pasir Panjang. On 28 September, that trust grew with a second MPA lounge at Tuas. Together with our centre at Jurong Port, MtSS now operates three seafarers’ lounges across Singapore’s ports.

As Singapore continues to develop one of the world’s most modern and busiest ports, we are grateful that the welfare of seafarers remains part of that progress.

None of this is achieved alone. It takes partnership — government agencies, port operators, shipping companies, unions, maritime organisations, donors and volunteers working together.

As MtSS celebrates 100 years of service in Singapore, our mission remains remarkably simple:

Ships and ports may change. Technology will continue to advance. But the human needs of seafarers remain.

As long as seafarers call at Singapore, we want them to know there is a door open, a place to rest and someone ready to welcome them.

Photos credit - MPA

2 Oct - The Mission to Seafarers Singapore congratulates the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) on your 60th Anniversary!...
03/10/2026

2 Oct - The Mission to Seafarers Singapore congratulates the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) on your 60th Anniversary!

We are proud of how far Singapore has come in 60 years, establishing ourselves as a trusted global maritime hub and creating a conducive environment for international shipping to thrive.

Thank you, SRS, for the kind invitation and privilege to be part of this milestone celebration. Happy 60th Anniversary, and may the Singapore flag continue to fly proudly across the world’s oceans!

25 September - A New Home. The Same Mission.What a meaningful morning on 25th September 2026 as we celebrate the officia...
28/09/2026

25 September - A New Home. The Same Mission.

What a meaningful morning on 25th September 2026 as we celebrate the official reopening of The Mission to Seafarers’ Lounge at Jurong Port.

Shipping has changed enormously over the years, but the human needs of seafarers have not. They still need friendship, practical help and sometimes simply someone who cares.

That is what this new lounge will continue to be: a safe harbour away from home.

A heartfelt thank you to Ms Tan Beng Tee for gracing this special occasion, Ven Wong Tak Meng for leading us in the dedication and blessing, Sis Mary Liew for her continued friendship and support, Dr Akanksha Batura Pai for so wonderfully emceeing, and many others who made time to attend the event.

And to Jurong Port, MPA, SMOU, our partners, supporters, Management Committee, and MtSS team. Thank you for walking this journey with us.

Locations may change. Friendships remain. And our mission continues.

09/09/2026

8th September was one of those days in our ministry that we know will stay with us for a very long time.

A shipowner reached out to MtSS following a heartbreaking tragedy on board. On Sunday morning, a seafarer, who had been promoted to Second Officer only a few days earlier, took his own life in his cabin.

He leaves behind a 14-year-old daughter and a six-month-old son. Two young children who will now grow up without their father.

What made this tragedy particularly difficult for his shipmates to comprehend was just a few hours before his death, he had been together with his crew mates in the games room — playing board games, playing the guitar and spending time with them.

I am grateful that the company took the incident very seriously and responded promptly. Several Marine Managers were sent on board, and two psychologists were engaged to provide professional mental health support.

When we stepped on board, however, what struck us most was the depth of the crew’s grief.
Several were sobbing uncontrollably.
These are seafarers who live together, work together, eat together, laugh together and depend upon one another, often for months at a time.
Alongside the professional psychological support, we were asked to conduct a service for the crew.
We did not gather to try to explain the unexplainable.
We gathered, firstly, to create a safe and sacred space where the crew could grieve together — where tears did not have to be hidden.

Secondly, we gathered to help them find comfort, hope and strength beyond themselves. Through prayer, silence and remembrance, we brought before God the questions for which we had no answers.
Standing among these seafarers and watching grown men weep openly for their friend was deeply moving.
It reminded us again that we cannot always see the battles another person may be fighting.
A person can be even caring for the mental wellbeing of others. And yet there may be something happening within that those around them simply cannot see.

Today reminded me that pastoral ministry is not always about having the right words. Sometimes there are no right words. Sometimes our calling is simply to show up. To sit beside someone who is hurting. To listen. To pray. And to remind people in their darkest moments that they do not have to walk through them alone.
As we left the vessel, our thoughts remained with the crew — but especially with a 14-year-old girl and a six-month-old baby boy who have lost their father.
Please remember them, their family, and this devastated crew in your prayers.
And may we all learn to look beyond the simple question, “Are you okay?” — to make time to listen, to notice one another, and to genuinely walk alongside those around us.

The nature of ship visiting can be physically demanding. Appropriate training and guiding will be provided to enable Shi...
08/09/2026

The nature of ship visiting can be physically demanding. Appropriate training and guiding will be provided to enable Ship Visitors to carry out their duties safely and effectively.

Due to our current employment quota restrictions, we are unfortunately only able to consider Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents (PRs at this time. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and hope you understand our situation.

6 August - 🇸🇬 Celebrating Singapore’s 61st National Day with Seafarers at Jurong PortWe were delighted to welcome nearly...
07/08/2026

6 August - 🇸🇬 Celebrating Singapore’s 61st National Day with Seafarers at Jurong Port

We were delighted to welcome nearly 60 seafarers for our first event since we recently relocated our Seafarers’ Lounge at Jurong Port for a joyful National Day celebration.

Although the new Lounge offers a cosier setting, it was wonderfully well attended and filled with warmth, fellowship, food and good cheer. As always, it was encouraging to see seafarers from different vessels and nationalities coming together to celebrate Singapore’s National Day and enjoy a much-needed time of rest and connection ashore.

Our heartfelt thanks to the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) for generously sponsoring the food and beverages, as well as the wonderful gift packs for the seafarers. Your support made the celebration especially meaningful and reminded the seafarers that they are valued, cared for and not forgotten.

The Mission to Seafarers Singapore remains committed to providing a welcoming place of rest, care and friendship for seafarers calling at our ports.

2 August - Most will not know what it takes just to stand face to face with a seafarer.Sunday, we were invited to go onb...
03/08/2026

2 August - Most will not know what it takes just to stand face to face with a seafarer.

Sunday, we were invited to go onboard a brand new tanker to pray with her captain and crew for their total wellbeing.

Typically, a ship visit is far more than simply stepping onboard. It begins with security clearances, transport through restricted areas, waiting for approvals, climbing long and often harrowing pilot ladders and gangways, navigating a maze of steel corridors, and racing against time before the vessel sails. Sometimes, after all that effort, there are only a few precious minutes to meet the crew.

Yet every step is worth it.

Because behind every smiling face is often a story few people ever hear.

A father who has not hugged his children for months. A husband who could only watch his loved one through a phone screen. A son/daughter who missed his/her parents. A young seafarer quietly battling loneliness, anxiety, exhaustion or depression while carrying the immense responsibility of operating a vessel safely.

These are the invisible sacrifices that keep our supermarket shelves stocked and our fuel flowing.

This is why we do what we do.

Not because it is easy. Not because it is convenient. But because every seafarer deserves to know that someone cares, someone is willing to listen, and someone is praying for them.

As we prayed together today, we were reminded once again that ministry is not measured by the distance travelled or the obstacles overcome, but by the lives touched and the love of God shared.

Please remember our seafarers in your prayers. Pray for God’s protection over every voyage, strength for weary hearts, peace for troubled minds, wisdom for every decision, and the joyful day when they are safely reunited with those they love.

Address

Singapore
619110

Opening Hours

Monday 10:00 - 22:00
Tuesday 10:00 - 22:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 22:00
Thursday 10:00 - 22:00
Friday 10:00 - 22:00
Saturday 09:00 - 22:00

Telephone

+6567372880

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Mission to Seafarers Singapore posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to The Mission to Seafarers Singapore:

Shortcuts

Share

Category