Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) has launched a revised version of its global port chaplains’ directory which helps seafarers get access to help and advice wherever they are in the world.

The Port Chaplain Directory 2017 lists phone numbers and e-mail addresses of the seafarers’ charity’s chaplains in 261 ports across 55 countries, compared to 207 ports and 49 countries in 2016.

AoS Development Director John Green said, “We have chaplains in most of the world’s ports, and this year’s directory also contains contact details for ports not included last year such as Toronto in Canada, Richards Bay in South Africa and Savannah and San Diego in the USA.”

“Providing up to date and accurate details of all our chaplains is a valuable resource both for seafarers and those working in the maritime industry.

“AoS is the largest provider of port based welfare care for seafarers in the world with around 650 chaplains, staff and ship visitor volunteers globally who visited an estimated 70,000 ships worldwide last year,” he added.

The directory is available both online and in hard copy and port authorities or shipping companies wanting copies for their crews should get in contact with the charity.

Separately, AoS’ latest Annual Review shows that in Great Britain last year, AoS visited 10,035 ships and estimates that it assisted over 200,000 seafarers and fishermen, up from 9,821 ships and 196,000 seafarers in 2015.

AoS National Director Martin Foley said, “Seafarers’ welfare laws have improved in the last few years, but as our work has shown, there is still a real need to provide seafarers with practical, spiritual and pastoral support at their place of work, that is on board their ships in ports.”

The range of support offered by AoS includes counselling and befriending, welfare assistance, hospital visits, transport and providing means of communicating with family and friends.

Source: Apostleship of the Seas