Requests: Necessities, Warmth, and Morale at Sea
By 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 within time constraints and whether it is truly essential. Shore leave, or the lack of it, often plays a significant role as well. The requests I receive typically fall into three categories: necessities, warmth, and morale. Some needs are easier to meet, particularly because our office maintains an inventory of donated new items such as gloves. During the winter
months in Port Newark, many crew members struggle with the cold, especially when their gloves become wet on deck.
One meaningful encounter took place aboard the MSC Bridgeport during a routine check-in. After answering several questions from the crew, only Vedika, a female seafarer, and I remained. I sensed she wanted to ask something, but hesitated. She finally asked, “Could you get me some napkins?” Since she had been denied shore leave, she explained she would otherwise get them herself. After a moment, I realized what she meant and reassured her that I could help. I asked a few clarifying questions, exchanged WhatsApp information, and left to gather the items.
Vedika shared that she had hoped a seamen’s center would come aboard, as she felt uncomfortable asking male crew members for help, especially being the only woman on the ship. With only two U.S. ports remaining and a month-long voyage ahead, this was a genuine necessity. I was able to provide her with a discreetly packaged supply sufficient for several months. When she later messaged me to say, “I got the sanitary pads; I am really grateful to you. Thank you so much. It really means a lot.” The impact of that moment, woman to woman, was deeply powerful.
Another request came from Ephraim, an able seafarer from Côte d’Ivoire working on deck aboard a French-flagged research vessel. Noticing he wasn’t dressed warmly enough, he asked if I could help him find hoodies for layering. After discussing his size and budget, I visited a local store and coordinated with him via WhatsApp to find two sweatshirts within his price range. When I delivered them, he repeatedly expressed his gratitude and even sent a follow-up thank-you message a week later.
The final request focused on morale. Ahead of a ship visit, I learned that none of the 18 crew members aboard had visas, leaving them unable to go ashore after a long journey from Asia and weeks of hard work in port. They were hoping for a small morale boost, and food was the most common request. After coordinating with the third officer, we settled on a simple McDonald’s order that was practical and manageable. I made the arrangements, transported the meals carefully, and delivered them to the ship later that afternoon. The excitement and appreciation from the crew were unmistakable.
During that visit, I also had the opportunity to engage in deeper conversations with several crew members, some of whom expressed interest in having Mass on board. I later connected them with Father James Kollin to explore that possibility during their next call to Newark.
Often, these requests, small as they may seem, shape how crew members choose to reach out in the future. What may feel minor to us can mean a great deal to someone living and working at sea.
As an SCI Chaplain, I am grateful to serve as a conduit of care, not only by listening to concerns and offering spiritual support, but also by taking concrete action that can positively impact a crew member’s time onboard.