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 […]
Read MorePhil Schifflin, Esq., Director of SCI’s Center for Mariner Advocacy (CMA), is featured in a recent Waterways Journal article, “Next Steps for the U.S. Inland Mariner Wellness Assessment.” The piece highlights the findings and future direction of the landmark assessment conducted by SCI and the Yale School of Medicine, which examined the health, wellness, and […]
Read MoreBy Matthew Morse, Esq. Director, International Seafarers’ Center From the June 2026 Quarterly Activity Report The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) is pleased to continue its strong partnership with SUNY Maritime College through active SCI Chaplain participation in the 2026 SUNY Maritime Summer Sea Term (SST). This yearly voyage represents a vital period of hands-on training […]
Read MoreAs 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 […]
Read More“Wait! I’ve met you before!” a young man in the front row exclaimed as I introduced myself to the class of new hires. It took me a beat and then I was brought right back to where we met for the first time. It was a few months ago that we sat around the table […]
Read MoreThe 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 […]
Read MoreMany 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 […]
Read MoreBy 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 […]
Read MoreBy the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt President & Executive Director he Seamen’s Church Institute has led mariner education and training since the early 1900s and has prepared maritime chaplains to serve seafarers since the mid-19th century. In 1982, SCI took a decisive step forward by formalizing its advocacy work through the establishment of the Center for Seafarers’ […]
Read MoreBy Philip C. Schifflin, Esq. Director, Center for Mariner Advocacy At the Seamen’s Church Institute’s Center for Mariner Advocacy, one of our missions is to help ensure that the human aspect of shipping is never overlooked amid geopolitical tensions, commercial pressures, or regulatory complexities. We best accomplish this mission when we work collaboratively with other interested parties such […]
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