SCI Chaplains Train to Support Offshore Mariners Working on an offshore vessel, rig, or platform is incredibly demanding. The isolation is intense, with crews often following a “28 days on, 28 days off” shift, without sight of land during their time onboard. Reaching offshore crews can be difficult and time-consuming, sometimes taking up to four hours […]
Read MoreDuring the past three months, I’ve made it a priority to spread awareness about Ministry on the River and ensure my business cards reach as many mariners as possible. While we’re available in times of crisis, my main focus during these discussions is encouraging mariners to reach out when they need to talk. Many of […]
Read MoreQAR by the Rev. Nancy Simpson – When I step into the world of mariners and their living quarters on vessels, I bring a heart filled with peace and blessings. I immerse myself in their stories—their laughter, worries, insights, and wisdom—celebrating their joys, whether it’s receiving a cherished SCI knit hat, scarf, or a holiday […]
Read MoreAt SCI’s Center for Mariner Advocacy (CMA), we regularly engage in discussions focused on mariner health and safety. Recently, the U.S. Coast Guard commissioned the National Academies of Sciences (NAS) to study the role of alcohol use in the maritime industry and its impact on related incidents. In response, NAS initiated a study titled “Prevention, […]
Read MoreIn August 2024, CME made significant strides in its mission to enhance training for maritime professionals. CME Director Stephen Polk met with Tim Studdert, President of Buffalo Marine, to explore ways to further improve their crew training program. Tim shared a valuable insight: customizing barge models to reflect Buffalo Marine’s specific needs would significantly improve […]
Read MorePhil Schifflin, Jr., Esq. Director, Center for Mariner Advocacy Recently, the Center for Mariner Advocacy has been frequently assisting U.S. Coast Guard personnel who encounter mariners in problematic situations aboard foreign-flagged vessels. Although our advocacy work has mainly involved blue-water and brown-water mariners, my predecessor, Doug Stevenson, and I have previously assisted and trained Coast […]
Read MoreFor many SUNY Maritime College cadets, the Summer Sea Term (SST) marks their first extended experience on open water. The SST brings its own set of challenges and pressures, and when invited, the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) assembles a chaplaincy team to provide pastoral and counseling support to the cadets throughout the voyage. SCI is […]
Read MoreThe Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew W. Morse, Esq. as the new Director of the International Seafarers’ Center in Port Newark. Originally from Long Island, NY, Matt brings a wealth of experience in law and nonprofit leadership. With over 15 years of legal experience in Manhattan, managing projects and other operational […]
Read MoreIn early July, four pilots from Buckeye Bahamas terminal and four tug masters from Kotug Seabulk Maritime participated in a comprehensive combined pilot and tug master training at SCI’s Center for Maritime Education in Houston, Texas. During the session, the pilots operated various classes of tankers, from Handymax to VLCC, while the tug masters assisted […]
Read MoreCenter for Mariner Advocacy Director Phil Schifflin reports from the Recent IMO Sub-Committee Meeting. The tenth session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) Sub-Committee met in a hybrid format in London from Feb 5-9, 2024. This meeting was most heavily focused on training-related issues, with the goal of ensuring […]
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