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 releases Inland Wellness Assessment Companion Report
SCI has released Partnering to Advance Inland Mariner Wellness, a companion report to the U.S. Inland Mariner Wellness Assessment developed with Yale School of Medicine. The new publication highlights collaborative strategies for strengthening a culture of care across the inland maritime industry, recognizing that supporting mariners’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being leads to safer operations, stronger crews, and better long-term outcomes. Download the report and learn more about SCI’s ongoing mariner wellness initiatives.
UTO Grant Culminates in New Resource for Maritime Chaplain Training
Preparing maritime chaplains requires more than goodwill; it requires thoughtful formation rooted in real-world experience. Developed under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. David Fleenor in partnership with SCI, and supported by the Episcopal Church’s United Thank Offering, this new case study resource helps strengthen pastoral judgment and prepare chaplains for the unique realities of maritime ministry. Designed for both new and experienced chaplains, it equips those serving seafarers and inland mariners with practical insight, compassion, and confidence. Click below to access the PDF and Online Reader.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.