Sustaining Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
In-Kind Sponsor
Sustaining Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
In-Kind Sponsor
Sustaining Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
In-Kind Sponsor
Sustaining Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
In-Kind Sponsor
North America’s Largest, Most Comprehensive Seafarer & Mariner Service Agency
The Seamen’s Church Institute’s (SCI) reach, influence, scale, and level of innovation for both international seafarers and U.S. mariners is unmatched in the North American maritime community. We are dedicated to mariner well-being, pastoral care, maritime training, navigational and vessel safety, legal advocacy, and global policy for the vital yet often overlooked role of those who work within the maritime industry. Our work and mission is only made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, donors and volunteers.
SCI To Welcome A New Maritime Chaplain in St. Louis
SCI’s Ministry on the River welcomes the Rev. Charles Uhlik as its newest chaplain serving the Upper Mississippi River region from St. Louis. Beginning September 30, he will provide pastoral care and support to mariners while expanding SCI’s growing inland chaplaincy network, strengthening the organization’s commitment to those who live and work on America’s waterways.
Honoring Leadership and Supporting Seafarers at SCI’s 2026 Silver Bell Awards
On June 11, 2026, Seamen’s Church Institute welcomed 635 maritime leaders to its Silver Bell Awards Dinner in New York City, honoring John Wobensmith and Adm. Linda Fagan (USCG, Ret.). The event raised over $825,000 to support SCI’s global mission serving mariners, seafarers, safety, advocacy, training, and research.
SCI Leads Mariner Wellness Panel at IMX2026
At the 2026 International Maritime Expo (IMX) in Nashville, TN, SCI President & Executive Director Rev. Mark Nestlehutt moderated a panel discussion examining the findings and impact of the U.S. Inland Mariner Wellness Assessment. The session brought together industry, healthcare, academic, and maritime ministry leaders—including Kelly Clapp of Ingram Barge Company, Rev. Grace Pardun of Seamen’s Church Institute, Troy Remy of Canal Barge Company, Dr. Martin Slade of Yale University School of Medicine, and Dr. Kyle Turnbo of HealthWorks Medical—to explore how the inland maritime industry has responded to wellness recommendations, what initiatives have delivered measurable results, and where challenges remain. Audio of this panel discussion is available here.
New Report Highlights Urgent Need to Improve Inland Mariner Well-Being
In 2025, more than 75% of SCI’s Ministry on the River crisis responses involved physical or mental health issues—far surpassing accident-related calls. It highlights a significant wellness crisis among inland mariners. The newly released U.S. Inland Mariner Wellness Assessment outlines the risks mariners face and the possible industry-wide solutions that may strengthen health, safety, and retention. SCI believes the time is now to address this priority for the industry and its mariners.
SCI’s Center for Maritime Education, U.S. Army ERDC to Advance Maritime Simulation
The Seamen’s Church Institute’s Center for Maritime Education (CME) has established a new partnership with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, MS, with the goal of improving maritime training, advancing ship simulation technology, and enhancing safety across the nation’s waterways. Story on MarineLink.
Seafarer & Mariner Services
Pastoral Care, Crisis Response, and Support for Domestic Mariners and International Seafarers through our team of trained Chaplains.
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Center for Maritime Education
Simulator Training, e-Learning, Engineering Feasibility Studies, Mariner Safety & Safe Waterways are at the core of CME.
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Center for Mariner Advocacy
Dedicated year-round to safeguarding mariner wellbeing, dignity, and rights.
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SCI Equips Chaplains to Serve Mariners with Episcopal Church’s United Thank Offering Grant
Thanks to a $45,000 grant from UTO, SCI is launching I Sea You: Equipping Chaplains to Support the Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Needs of Mariners Marginalized by Sea Blindness. This two-phase initiative will identify the essential competencies maritime chaplains need and create a trauma-informed continuing education curriculum to train them to meet mariners’ unique needs.
OUR VALUES
COMPASSION
Above all, SCI profoundly cares for mariners and seafarers: recognizing their needs, the challenge of their work, and the vital contributions they make to world commerce.
DEPENDABILITY
SCI is resolute in our mission. We will always stand with mariners and seafarers in support of the human element within the maritime community.
INTEGRITY
SCI and its programs are dedicated to operating with transparency, professionalism, and a deep sense of purpose.
The Origins of SCI
Explore our legacy of supporting mariners and seafarers. This 12-minute video traces SCI’s origins from a small floating church nestled within the port of New York to its growth into North America’s largest and most comprehensive mariner and seafarer service agency.
The Masthead
Read The Masthead, our monthly online newsletter, and catch up on the latest happenings in SCI’s mission areas. You can subscribe to the Masthead here.
The Lookout
The Lookout is SCI’s semiannual magazine that provides deeper insights into SCI news, history, and events.
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Linked-In
Stay informed about SCI’s latest news and impact within the maritime industry by connecting with us on LinkedIn.