A short story about SCI

PASTORAL CARE

Pastoral Care
In 1834, New York was a bustling towna 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 citys 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 Americas largest and most comprehensive
mariners service agency, the Seamens Church Institute (SCI).
Life at sea has always been turbulent in ways unknown to land-dwellersand 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 mariners work remains as it was at SCIs 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 workin 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.

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 Institutes 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 worlds 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, SCIs
courses meet the needs of todays professional mariners. Instructors use SCIs state-ofthe-art simulators to test mariners reactions and skills, using realistic, three-dimensional
projections on a lifelike replica of a vessels bridge. The Institutes 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

LAW & ADVOCACY

Law & Advocacy

SCIs 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
lawmakerswith SCIs supportpassed 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.
SCIs 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 SCIs founders.

KNITTING

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 SCIs
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.

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 mariners
unique work and way of life.
SCI began with concerned citizenspeople who saw a need and worked to meet it.
Fostering relationships between mariners, shipping companies and international governments,
SCIs 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 1834

seamenschurch.org