Stella Maris is the world’s largest ship-visiting charity, with a network of over 200 Chaplains and 800 volunteers across 330 ports spanning 57 countries. Its mission is to support the welfare and wellbeing of seafarers and their families regardless of nationality, race, faith or gender.
With up to 70,000 ship visits per year, Stella Maris acts as a presence for seafarers confronting grave challenges at sea, including ship abandonment, kidnapping, piracy, hospitalisation, deaths, and even instances of suicide. Beyond these crisis moments, it provides practical assistance, warm clothing, reading materials, port transportation, faith materials, money transfers, and gifts during festive seasons. Communication tools such as top-up cards and Wi-Fi also help bridge the gap between seafarers and their loved ones.
Separated from their families for extended periods, seafarers often struggle with loneliness and isolation. Stella Maris serves as a trusted confidant, providing a friendly face and a sympathetic ear at the foreign ports they visit. Through conversation and practical assistance, Stella Maris addresses various issues, from mental health concerns to financial challenges, ensuring seafarers receive the support they deserve.
Milestones and Achievements
Founded in 1920, Stella Maris has evolved into a global network providing care over time and distance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation expanded its reach, offering humanitarian relief and grants to individual seafarers and their families. From feeding 15,000 seafarers in India to assisting those affected by Typhoon Rai in the Philippines, Stella Maris adapts to the changing needs of seafarers across the world.
Collaboration and Support
Stella Maris works increasingly closely with shipowners, ship managers, P&I Clubs, law firms, flag states, sister maritime charities and a range of national and international maritime organisations to address the complex challenges faced by seafarers.
Its global network ensures continuous support for crews worldwide, and it encourages the industry to consider Stella Maris as a valuable resource in times of crisis.
Advocating for Change
In the face of forced labour and modern slavery in the maritime sector, Stella Maris takes proactive steps to address these issues. Workshops held in major UK ports in 2023 equipped participants with essential knowledge and tools to identify and respond effectively to signs of modern slavery. The charity continues to advocate for fair pay, conditions, and workload standards as the industry embraces automation.
Current Priorities
Ukraine – Stella Maris is the only maritime charity team working on the ground in Odesa and recognises that there is a long-term need to support seafarers in Ukraine. Subsequently, Stella Maris UK has committed to cover the core running costs of its team based in the Ukraine Black Sea Port of Odesa for as long as it takes and is grateful for substantial corporate support in this area. We are providing active support and sending a clear message of solidarity that the maritime sector has not forgotten Ukraine nor the issues seafarers are facing.
East Africa – Stella Maris has launched a new operation in Tanzania to support seafarers facing longer time at sea owing to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Drone and missile strikes by the Yemen rebel group have forced hundreds of ships to sail via the Cape of Good Hope, increasing journey times and putting extra pressure on ports and services in Africa. The new mission will provide additional support to seafarers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, at a time when seafarers face being at sea significantly longer — sometimes months longer — than they anticipated. The new team will help seafarers to contact their families, and support on physical and mental health and other welfare issues.
The Future of Stella Maris
The charity is committed to advocating for seafarers’ well-being, providing support and addressing the evolving challenges faced by those who dedicate their lives to the maritime industry. Collaboration, advocacy, and a commitment to well-being form the foundation of this organisation’s mission, ensuring seafarers receive the support they need in the constantly changing landscape of the maritime industry. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, Stella Maris remains vigilant in identifying emerging challenges and opportunities for seafarer well-being. From the impact of reduced shore leave to the implications of increased automation, Stella Maris stands at the forefront, advocating for policies that prioritise seafarers’ welfare and ensure a sustainable future for the maritime workforce.
For more information and to find out more about Stella Maris please contact Ian Stokes ([email protected] 07732 682090) or go to www.stellamaris.org.uk
