Hope &
Renewal

Caring for Seafarers visiting Sydney

We exist to provide hope & renewal to Seafarers.

Ships don’t bring us goods, people do: seafarers. The seafarers job exposes them to some of the most dangerous, lonely and isolating conditions to bring us more than 99% of our merchandise.

Chaplains

Counselling, advocacy, transport and prayer (if requested).

Our Centre

Our Centre

Practical services and a safe place to relax and recharge.

Connection

Services to reconnect with loved ones and life on land.

Your support.
Their livelihood.

Seafarers from over 70 nations visit us in Sydney. Together, we can make a real difference today.

Who cares for Seafarers? We do.

Since 1881, Mission to Seafarers Sydney has compassionately cared for seafarers visiting Sydney ports. We now provide wellbeing services and a warm welcome to approx. 10,000 seafarers per year.

However, with about 400,000 seafarers visiting Sydney annually, many are missing out.

Why do they need our help?

We get to go home at night, seafarers don’t. Often from the world’s poorest nations, seafarers spend about nine months at sea in tough conditions sending all the money they can to their families. Meanwhile they are missing birthdays, weddings anniversaries and celebrations.  They can’t be there to help their loved ones through hard times or provide a hug to lift spirits. Our free services make it a little easier for them to reconnect with their families, recharge their strength and renew their spirits.

Real stories.
Harsh realities.

Play Video

Meet Ten-Ten

Play Video

Meet Pierre

Play Video

Meet Umed

Where is a safe harbour for Seafarers? With us.

“My stomach hurt so bad my ship left me here in hospital alone [appendectomy]. I needed to tell my family I was OK. I tried but the hospital people couldn’t understand. They called Rev Tay. He came straight away with bathroom supplies – and what I needed most: an adaptor so I could charge my phone in Sydney. He helped me understand what was going on and visited me many times”.

Joseph Cruz

Philippines Seafarer

The numbers
& the human reality.

There’s a human reality behind the lifestyle we enjoy across Australia: we couldn’t do life without Seafarers.

99%

Of Australia’s imports and exports arrive and leave by sea

400k

Seafarers hit Sydney ports each year & need support.

>50%

prevalence of depression and anxiety in Seafarers.

12+

Many are sole providers for extended families in struggling emerging economies.

65%

Are deeply concerned about ship safety & piracy.

7/10

Seafarers report being exhausted & sleep deprived.

Holiday Hours - regular except CLOSED on Dec 25, Dec 31 and Jan 1, 2024.​