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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Remembering 9/11, 25 Years Later: A Harbor of Courage and Care
September 9, 2026
By Bridgit Patterson SCI Communications Coordinator On September 11, 2001, New York Harbor became both a witness to unfathomable tragedy and a pathway to safety. As smoke from the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center darkened Lower Manhattan and ash filled the streets, hundreds of thousands sought to escape the island. With bridges, tunnels, and subways closed or […]
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At the Water’s Edge: Advancing Maritime Chaplaincy Through Research and Training
August 19, 2026
The Rev. Dr. David Fleenor, PhD. presents on maritime chaplaincy and his study, "At the Water's Edge," to attendees at the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA. At the 2026 North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) Annual Conference, the Rev. Dr. David Fleenor, PhD. presented “Essential Competencies for Maritime Chaplaincy: Lessons [...]
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Advancing Seafarer Welfare: SCI Leadership at NAMMA
August 19, 2026
From left to right: Chaplain Michelle DePooter, Montreal Ministry to Seafarers; Simon Grainge, Chief Executive, ISWAN; the Ven. Dr. Peter Rouch, Secretary General, the Mission to Seafarers; Phil Schifflin, Esq., Director of SCI’s Center for Mariner Advocacy, participate in a panel discussion about advancing advocacy for seafarers on the second day of the NAMMA Annual […]
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Supporting the Next Generation of Mariners at Texas A&M Maritime Academy
August 18, 2026
Earlier this month, the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting mariners throughout every stage of their careers through its participation in O-Week at Texas A&M Maritime Academy. O-Week introduces incoming cadets to the routines and traditions of the Corps of Cadets while building the skills and discipline essential to maritime life. Throughout […]
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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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SCI Chaplains Continue Sixth Consecutive Summer of Service During SUNY Maritime’s Summer Sea Term
June 22, 2026
As SUNY Maritime College’s 2026 Summer Sea Term (SST) continues, the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) is proud to mark the sixth consecutive summer that SCI Chaplains have served aboard in support of cadets during this transformative maritime training experience. A cornerstone of the academic journey for cadets pursuing U.S. Coast Guard licenses, the Summer Sea […]
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Honoring Leadership and Supporting Seafarers at SCI’s 2026 Silver Bell Awards
June 15, 2026
The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) welcomed 635 maritime leaders and professionals to Chelsea Piers in New York City on June 11, 2026, for an evening celebrating the maritime industry and honoring two exceptional leaders: John Wobensmith, recipient of the Silver Bell Award, and Adm. Linda Fagan (USCG, Ret.), recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The […]
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The Status of Chaplaincy in Supporting Seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz
June 9, 2026
Many across the maritime industry remain deeply concerned about the ongoing challenges facing seafarers transiting or stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. While SCI is a U.S.-based organization, our mission compels us to stay connected with seafarer welfare organizations around the world, monitoring conditions and supporting mariners wherever they serve. According to Phil Schifflin, Director […]
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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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