The Mission to Seafarers in the Diocese of New Westminster

The Mission to Seafarers in the Diocese of New Westminster is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support and care to seafarers passing through the ports of Vancouver and other British Columbia locations. The organization operates under the business registration number 889108445RR0001.

Mission and Activities

The Mission focuses on a ministry of presence and hospitality, offering spiritual support and comfort to seafarers who face challenging conditions and isolation while at sea. This is achieved through visits to ships, listening to the seafarers' concerns, and providing a welcoming environment both aboard and at their facilities.

Partnerships and Operations

The organization operates in partnership with other maritime ministries, including Stella Maris, a Roman Catholic initiative, and collaborates with the Ministry to Seafarers, another chaplaincy ministry in Vancouver. Together, they maintain ministry centers at the Waterfront Centre in downtown Vancouver and at Roberts Bank in Delta Port, as well as supporting similar initiatives in other BC ports, such as Port Alberni.

Membership and Affiliations

The Mission to Seafarers is affiliated with the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA), which further extends its reach and influence across seafarer support networks in North America.

Leadership

The organization is led by a senior port chaplain who oversees its operations and ensures that the mission's objectives are met effectively. The chaplaincy plays a critical role in ensuring that the spiritual and emotional needs of seafarers are addressed during their time in Canadian ports.

Impact

By providing a safe space, amenities like free Wi-Fi, and emotional support, the Mission to Seafarers plays a vital role in enhancing the well-being of seafarers. This support is especially crucial given the risks and challenges faced by those in the maritime industry, who are essential to global trade and economic stability.