The Seamen’s Church Institute brought a message of collaboration and care to the 121st Annual Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association (GICA) Seminar, held August 5–7, 2026, in New Orleans.

SCI Supervisory Chaplain the Rev. Grace Pardun joined SCI Chaplain the Rev. Geoffrey Davis and licensed clinical social worker and certified trauma professional Mandy Culbreath, MSW, LCSW, for “Partnering to Advance Inland Mariner Wellness: Meeting Mariners Where They Are — A Chaplaincy Perspective.”

Pardun shared findings from SCI’s recent study while emphasizing the importance of collaboration in strengthening the maritime industry’s existing culture of care. She highlighted how SCI Chaplains work alongside industry partners to support mariners’ mental, emotional, and spiritual health through resources, stress management, leadership training, and a consistent ministry of presence.

Davis shared his experience and commitment as a chaplain, while Culbreath offered a clinician’s perspective on mariner wellness and trauma.

Audience questions prompted an important discussion about when to call an SCI Chaplain following a stressful or critical incident. Pardun encouraged companies not to wait until an incident appears “serious enough.” Because individuals respond to stressful experiences differently, reaching out early allows SCI and industry partners to determine together whether chaplaincy support would be beneficial.

The conversation also identified opportunities for even more practical wellness resources, including vessel-appropriate exercise and meal plans, sleep strategies for mariners working square watches, and clear procedures for engaging chaplains following critical incidents.

Pardun closed by thanking the maritime community for its continued hospitality and for welcoming SCI Chaplains aboard its vessels. That access and trust allow SCI to meet mariners where they are and remain a steady source of support for the people at the heart of the industry.

The seminar reinforced a simple but important message: supporting mariner wellness is a shared effort, and strong relationships make that work possible.