A short story about SCI

PASTORAL CARE

In 1834, New York was a bustling town—a commercial center where traffic converged from around the world. Seafarers played a vital role in the economy, but land-dwellers largely took mariners’ contributions to the city’s prosperity for granted. Upon their return from work at sea, seafarers frequently fell victim to “crimps” and unscrupulous boarding houses that saw them as easy prey. At that time, they had little recourse and limited legal protection. Taking action against these and other injustices, a group of concerned citizens in New York created what would become North America’s largest and most comprehensive mariners’ service agency, the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI).

Life at sea has always been turbulent in ways unknown to land-dwellers—and all intensified by long separation from family and friends. Life on board a ship is confining. Long days at sea and brief port visits tax body, mind and spirit. Although the world has changed and the maritime industry benefited from many workplace improvements, much of the stress and danger of the mariner’s work remains as it was at SCI’s beginnings. Since those beginnings, SCI has ministered to the special needs of the often forgotten seafarer. In ports far away from the support of their own communities, SCI gives the mariner a place to feel “at home.”

Today, SCI offers a warm welcome to mariners at its locations around the United States. It also meets mariners right where they work—in seaports, on the inland waterways of the United States and out into the Gulf of Mexico. As part of its 24-hour ministry, SCI maintains a staff of chaplains specially trained to recognize and address the needs of the maritime workforce. The modern Institute extends the tradition established in its charter, offering a friendly respite from rough and dangerous waters.

Pastoral Care

MARITIME EDUCATION

Respect for mariners in our fast-paced society has evolved as the world has become more aware of their critical work. Mariners have also gained power for themselves through new opportunities in education and career development.

Since its founding, SCI has empowered mariners with valuable training. Specialized nautical training started in 1899 and continued at the Institute’s Merchant Marine School, which helped thousands of mariners earn higher qualifications. In the two succeeding World Wars, SCI trained more than 40,000 of the world’s seafarers.

Today, SCI continues to train mariners at its specialized Center for Maritime Education. Combining adult education principles, the latest technology and top-notch curricula, SCI’s courses meet the needs of today’s professional mariners. Instructors use SCI’s state-of-the-art simulators to test mariners’ reactions and skills, using realistic, three-dimensional projections on a lifelike replica of a vessel’s bridge. The Institute’s simulator training programs, recognized throughout the shipping industry, provide continuing education that saves both crew and passenger lives and meets new challenges faced in maritime security.

Maritime Education

MARITIME EDUCATION

Maritime Education

LAW & ADVOCACY

SCI’s founders knew that to improve the lives of seafarers, they needed to help establish laws and regulations aimed at their protection. Although Congress had previously enacted statutes concerning the rights of mariners, the real fight against crimping, shanghaiing and the general exploitation of seafarers began in 1898 when lawmakers—with SCI’s support—passed some of the first federal statutes protecting mariners. Over the years, SCI has helped pass other important pieces of legislation to ensure safety in the maritime workplace and the fair treatment of mariners.

At the end of the 20th century, SCI continued to seek balanced solutions for problems facing mariners, but this complex international endeavor required a robust infrastructure to meet the demands of the times. Therefore, in 1982, SCI established the Center for Seafarers’ Rights, a worldwide resource for legal research, education, advocacy and assistance on seafarers’ rights issues.

SCI’s Center has since become a world leader in advocacy for the merchant mariner. It provides free legal counseling, assistance and referrals to mariners and to seafarers’ welfare agencies around the globe. It works to improve national and international law and practices, consulting with seafarers, shipowners and governments. The Center for Seafarers’ Rights advocates for the best working and living conditions for mariners in keeping with the goals and vision of SCI’s founders.

Law & Advocacy

KNITTING

The ancient art of knitting is closely associated with life on the water. Transformation of fabric, yarn and rope into useful instruments for life at sea played an important role in the development of modern seafaring. Knitted garments became essential, too, providing an element of protection against harsh weather.

Since 1898, during the Spanish American War, SCI volunteers have been knitting, collecting, packing and distributing gifts to mariners miles away from home during the holidays. The handknit hats, scarves and other items manifest outward signs of SCI’s mission of chaplaincy: warmth and hospitality.

Today, the Christmas at Sea (CAS) volunteer knitting program boasts thousands of knitters from every state. SCI connects its volunteers with Internet sites like Facebook, Ravelry and its own blog, allowing knitters (no matter where they live) to participate in the program with discussion, pattern sharing and online collaboration. Folks from around the country make a cozy difference in the lives of mariners.

Knitting

Today, men and women of the maritime industry improve our lives with the sacrifices they make to deliver goods from around the world to our homes and workplaces. As in days of yore, hazards and difficulties remain characteristic to the mariner’s unique work and way of life.

SCI began with concerned citizens—people who saw a need and worked to meet it. Fostering relationships between mariners, shipping companies and international governments, SCI’s staff and volunteers effect change in our complex world. Through ministries of chaplaincy, education, advocacy and its volunteer knitting program, SCI supports seafarers with what they need to make a difference in their lives and the world.

If sharing this short story about SCI has inspired you, then let us know. Our mission would not be possible without the help of the individuals, churches, corporations and foundations that work with SCI to support mariners. To read more about this work, the organization and how you can help, visit SCI online at seamenschurch.org.

Serving mariners of all nations since 1834seamenschurch.org