By Michelle McWilliams, MSW Chaplain, International Seafarers’ Center, Port of New York & New Jersey From the June 2026 Quarterly Activity Report During this quarter, one of the more significant interactions I had was with Pat, a Filipino OS aboard a car carrier. Back at the end of March, Aileen, the ISC’s evening driver, called […]
Read Moreby Bridgit Patterson SCI Communications Coordinator With the FIFA World Cup Final in New Jersey this weekend, it is only fitting to remember that soccer has long been part of SCI’s history of serving seafarers. Beginning in the 1890s, crews arriving aboard ocean liners regularly played soccer matches against local clubs. Shipping companies encouraged the […]
Read MoreBy Naomi Walker, Ph.D. Manager, Special Projects Seafarers on a months-long contract sometimes pass weeks aboard their vessel before calling at the Port of New York and New Jersey. Living and working in the same space with nowhere else to go to decompress means that spending time ashore is of great importance. It’s vital to get off the ship and […]
Read MoreBy Michelle McWilliams, LSW SCI Chaplain, International Seafarers’ Center From the February Quarterly Activity Report Over the past month, I have been able to fulfill a number of requests from crew members while visiting ships. My guiding principle in responding to these requests is discretion rooted in practicality and feasibility; whether something can be done […]
Read MoreOn May 12, 2026, at the International Seafarers’ Center in Port Newark, New Jersey, the Life Saving Benevolent Association (LSBA) recognized this year’s honorees for extraordinary acts of bravery. In keeping with its awards criteria “for the rescue of human life on the sea or connected waters”, the LSBA awarded medals to Thomas Walsh and Frank LaFerrara […]
Read MoreAsh Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal in the Christian tradition. The imposition of ashes—often accompanied by the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”—is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity, humility, and need for grace. At the Seamen’s Church Institute, distributing […]
Read Moreby Matt Morse, Esq. Director of SCI’s International Seafarers’ Center Presenting at the 2026 Women on the Water (“WOW”) Conference in Baltimore, MD, was both an honor and a meaningful professional experience. When unexpected travel issues prevented me from presenting in person, the disruption became a fitting reminder of the unpredictability mariners and seafarers face […]
Read MoreOn Wednesday, January 15, the ISC was privileged to host a memorial service honoring beloved and longtime Board member James “Jim” Lawrence. Family, friends, and colleagues gathered in the chapel to reflect on and celebrate Jim’s profound impact on the maritime industry and his unwavering dedication to improving the lives and working conditions of mariners. […]
Read MoreThis month, Seamen’s Church Institute welcomed mariners, maritime personnel, and their families to two joyful Christmas Services and Celebrations—gatherings rooted in gratitude, fellowship, and the enduring spirit of the maritime community. Port Newark, NJ – International Seafarers’ Center On December 17, SCI hosted its second annual Christmas Service and Celebration at the International Seafarers’ Center […]
Read Moreby Chaplain Michelle McWilliams International Seafarers’ Center, Port of New York and New Jersey From the December 2025 Quarterly Activity Report Adopt a Crew is a new volunteer initiative implemented by SCI this year. It provides port and other maritime companies with the opportunity to volunteer in their own space by assembling care packages for […]
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