There are believed to be around 1.7 million men and women in the global seafaring community. Together they move ninety percent of all world trade on a merchant fleet of over 85,000 ships. They come from all nations, with about half of them Filipino, and they work long hours, with 12-hour days, six or seven days a week. The majority are contracted to work aboard their ship for nine to ten months, without ever seeing their homes and their loved ones. And every year more than 500 of them die at sea, from accidents, illness or collisions.

You are, in many respects, a forgotten community.

The Seamen's Christian Friend Society (SCFS) has not forgotten you. In fact for over 170 years, the men and women of the seafaring community have been at the forefront of our thoughts, our prayers and our actions.

Today we have SCFS Friends in many ports around the world, holding out a hand of friendship to you, helping to address some of your practical needs and sharing with you the message of Christ.

Our hands reach out to all those engaged in port activities and port life too. Stevedores, drivers, pleasure sailors, security staff, Royal Navy and military personnel, all are welcome to share our Fellowship and support.

So please read on to find out how we can help all of you.