Caring across the globe
Mission to Seafarers is an Anglican mission located in ports across the world. We genuinely care for seafarers, not just physically in time of illness or injury, but spiritually and emotionally through the provision of a chaplain. We also distribute Bibles and portions of the Scriptures and provide a Christian environment with people willing to listen and share the good news of Jesus.
Our diocese is privileged to have three Mission to Seafarers operating in the ports of Geraldton, Dampier, and Port Hedland.
Meet our chaplains
Rev PEter Schendzielorz
Peter has a heart to serve seafarers, especially during COVID-19. Many seafarers are currently spending 9+ months at sea, unable to disembark at any port due to restriction, so they have unique needs at this time related to faith, family, health and well-being.
Peter previously served in student ministry, working with the Christian Union at Curtin University in Perth. He took on the role as the MTS chaplain in Geraldton in January 2022. He is married to Kate.
Rev Steve Combe
Steve Combe and his wife Tamara moved to Dampier in January 2022 to take up the role of Chaplain at the MTS there. We are thankful to Steve and Tamara for their willingness to serve seafarers in this way.
Rev Garry Hamersley
Garry is the chaplain at Port Hedland with his wife Joyce.
senior chaplain vacant
SENIOR CHAPLAIN, MISSION TO SEAFARERS PORT HEDLAND
For information please contact Bishop Darrell Parker on 08 9921 7277 or bishop@anglicandnwa.org
How we work
Centres
Each mission has a centre providing a safe-haven for seafarers who live and work in a dangerous environment. At these centres, seafarers will find a place to relax, have a coffee, and a chat with sympathetic listeners. They’re often away from their families for long periods of time, so we also provide an opportunity to obtain phone cards, or inexpensive internet to connect with loved ones. Seafarers can stock up on essentials for life at sea or purchase gifts to take back home. They will also be offered Bibles or other Christian literature and an opportunity to discuss the Christian faith.
Each centre enlists the help of volunteers from the community, usually recruited from churches in the town. They are an invaluable ingredient in the provision of care for seafarers — without them centres could not meet the needs of seafarers in an adequate or sustainable way.
Advocacy
Chaplains will advocate for seafarers when there’s a need — whether it be raising unfair wages or conditions with the appropriate maritime authorities, advocating for better medical evacuation procedures, or supporting seafarers who have had a serious accident while in port.
Ship visits
Our chaplains visit ships anchored in port to speak with the Captain and crew — sometimes to run a church service, or to read the Bible and pray with people. It’s an opportunity for members of the crew to speak with someone who isn’t part of the ship’s structure, especially if there is a matter of concern, worry, or injustice. These visits may also enable the chaplain to facilitate assistance if crew members are suffering from illness or grief.
Services
We can provide transport to the centre if required, into the town for shopping, or from ship to shore. Centres also provide currency exchange facilities. There is a chapel at each centre where church services are held, or it may simply provide a space for people to quietly sit, pray, and reflect on God’s love in Christ.
At times, chaplains are able to provide ongoing Bible study materials for seafarers that maintain the link established during a port visit. They offer a means of encouragement to Christians in the lonely times of life at sea.
contact us
Geraldton
Call: 0466 128 285
Send: geraldton@mtsnwa.org
Post: PO Box 744, Geraldton, WA, 6531
Visit: 272 Marine Terrace (just near the Port Authority)
Explore: www.mts.org.au/geraldton
Dampier
Call: 9183 1424
Send: chaplain@dampierseafarers.org
Visit: 6 The Esplanade, Dampier
Explore: http://dampierseafarers.org/
Port Hedland
Call: 9173 1315
Send: portchaplain@phseafarers.org
Post: PO Box 63, Port Hedland, WA, 6721
Visit: Corner of Wilson Street and Wedge Street
Explore: www.phseafarers.org