CME Named a MARAD Center of Excellence
September 10, 2026
Evan Brown—Director, Communications: Seamen’s Church Institute The Seamen’s Church Institute’s (SCI) Center for Maritime Education (CME) has been designated a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), recognizing CME’s demonstrated success in training and developing the nation’s maritime workforce. The five-year designation places […]
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SCI Expertise at Work on America’s Waterways
August 19, 2026
Since 2004, SCI’s Center for Maritime Education (CME) has completed 28 major feasibility studies supporting bridges, ports, docks, terminals, channel modifications, and other waterway navigation projects across the United States. Using full-mission simulation, CME helps engineers, agencies, and operators understand how proposed projects may affect vessel movement and navigation before construction begins. Licensed captains bring […]
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SCI to Welcome A New Maritime Chaplain in St. Louis
July 16, 2026
SCI’s Ministry on the River is pleased to announce that the Rev. Charles Uhlik will join the organization as Chaplain serving the Upper Mississippi River region, based in St. Louis. Beginning September 30, he will expand SCI’s chaplaincy presence along the inland waterways, providing dedicated pastoral care and support to mariners from St. Louis northward […]
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Building Trust Through Consistent Presence
June 21, 2026
“Wait! I’ve met you before!” a young man in the front row exclaimed as I introduced myself to the class of new hires. It took me a beat and then I was brought right back to where we met for the first time. It was a few months ago that we sat around the table […]
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Navigating Recovery: Supporting Mental Health and Addiction Recovery in the Maritime Industry
May 28, 2026
By Bridgit PattersonCommunications Coordinator The maritime industry is the backbone of global and domestic trade, yet the human realities behind it often remain unseen. While the line of work comes with many attractive opportunities, circumstances such as long hitches, irregular schedules, high-pressure environments, and time away from loved ones create conditions where stress, loneliness, and […]
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SCI Chaplains Return to SUNY Maritime’s Summer Sea Term Aboard TS Empire State VII
May 21, 2026
On May 12, the Training Ship Empire State VII departed Fort Schuyler to begin SUNY Maritime College’s Summer Sea Term (SST), with SCI Chaplain the Rev. Geoff Davis joining cadets and crew for the first leg of the voyage. This marks Davis’s second year participating in the program, and he is thrilled to once again support cadets […]
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“Hey, Chaps—Can We Talk?”: Starting the Conversation for Mental Health Awareness Month
May 20, 2026
By the Rev. Grace Pardun SCI Supervisory Chaplain, Ministry on the River A deckhand called out as I was passing through the galley, “Hey, Chaps! Can I talk to you for a sec?” “Absolutely!” I responded as we stepped out to the deck locker. “What’s going on?” The mariner began to share how tough things had been at […]
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Partnering in Care: Building Mariner-Friendly Congregations
April 29, 2026
From the early days of Ministry on the River, we have invited congregations along the waterways to partner with SCI in supporting the well-being of mariners. Because of their demanding schedules, mariners often cannot attend church regularly. Many spend up to 28 days at a time on the river, making it difficult to stay connected […]
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2026 Maritime Bell Awards Luncheon
April 28, 2026
On April 23, 2026, More than 300 maritime leaders and professionals gathered at the Hilton Americas–Houston for the Seamen’s Church Institute’s Annual Maritime Bell Awards Luncheon. During the event, Kelly M. Teichman, Executive Chairman of T&T Group of Companies, received the Maritime Bell Award, and Sandra Ashford, Director of Training, HSSE at Ingram Marine Group, […]
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Meaningful Ministry is Wherever I Stand
March 18, 2026
by the Rev. Nancy Simpson — Chaplain, Ministry on the River, Houston Ship Channel & Gulf Coast Region From the February 2026 Quarterly Activity Report As I arrive at Gulf Coast boat docks, I take a moment to center my mind and heart before beginning mariner visits aboard the towboats. My vehicle is fully equipped […]
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