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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“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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No Mariner Stands Alone—Finding Connection on the Road to Recovery
December 23, 2025
by the Rev. Grace Pardun Supervisory Chaplain, Ministry on the River, Upper Mississippi & Ohio River Region We often expect our members of the clergy, our pastor, and even our chaplain, to embody a certain level of reverence—to have a deep and rich spiritual life, and to be a living model of self-control and morality. […]
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SafeTALK: Training for Suicide Prevention
February 27, 2024
In my role as a river Chaplain, I’ve witnessed my fair share of tragedies. The work of a mariner can be both demanding and dangerous at times. Often we arrive on scene after an incident has occurred, and we’re equipped with training in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) to provide assistance to crews and shoreside […]
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BEING READY FOR THE FUTURE OF SEAFARER WELFARE
September 21, 2023
In the ever-evolving world of maritime ministry and seafarer welfare, staying informed and legally aware is crucial for chaplains and those dedicated to supporting the well-being of seafarers. Phil Schifflin, Esq., Director of the Seamen’s Church Institute’s Center for Mariner Advocacy, recently addressed chaplains and other seafarer welfare workers at the North American Maritime Ministry […]
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