Organization delivers ‘care and compassion’ to transient sailors

A drive to Walmart might seem like a simple favour, but to the thousands of sailors with only a couple of hours on shore, it’s a kindness that is difficult to repay.

This and many other services are what The Mission to Seafarers is ready to offer at Halifax’s seaport.

The Mission was founded in England in 1856 so sailors could access church services. Now, The Mission to Seafarers has 200 locations operating in 50 countries.

“Whether it’s getting a doll for a man’s daughter that he hadn’t seen in 11 months or it’s getting them some warm clothes because they’re going to Iceland next week, all of that is that practical care and compassion,” said Jason Flinn, the chaplain for The Mission.

“You get down to the human need.”

Glenn Taylor, the organization’s ship welfare associate, spoke Tuesday at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to mark The Mission to Seafarer’s 168-year history.

Taylor said the organization flies “under the radar.”

“I don’t think I’m going out on a limb to say that most people in Halifax probably haven’t heard of us,” he said at the start of the talk. “But that’s why we’re here tonight.”

When a ship comes to Halifax’s seaport, it might stay for 12 hours unloading the hundreds of containers onboard. For the average-sized shipping vessel, it will cost nearly $10,000 to be docked and another $10,000 if it goes even one minute into the next 12-hour period.

During that time, the crew is hard at work so the ship can leave as soon as possible. For them, it’s not always possible to explore on land.

Roger Stalwick was one of 17 who listened to Taylor’s talk. He attended because he often passes The Mission on his bike and was curious about the organization.

“It’s a different world for those guys,” said Stalwick. “This was interesting to get background on what actually is the reality of (a seafarer’s) life.”

For those sailors with free time, The Mission offers a hand to make the most of their limited shore leave.

In 2023 it had 3,041 seafarers visit them, gave 1,720 rides to seafarers, and visited ships 548 times. Taylor said in his talk that volunteers like him will often drive seafarers to medical appointments or shopping centres, but they will also bring items onboard if asked. 

“It’s an exciting place to be. To be able to get in a van and drive through a container pier and go on ships and meet people and maybe do some good in the world, it’s like a dream.”