Congratulations to our Rev Retchie Salvador on being highly commended for the Seafarers Welfare Award at the DCN Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards 2025.
His unwavering compassion, leadership, and steadfast commitment to the wellbeing of our seafarers have made a profound difference so we thank you, Rev Retchie, for your exemplary service and continued dedication to all those who sail. We are proud of you. – Principal Chaplain Rev Tay.
“Chaplain Retchie consistently demonstrates deep empathy for the challenges faced by seafarers and has an instinctive sense for how to build a rapport with them. He guides each individual with patience and care, offering comfort and strength during times of trauma. At the same time, he brings joy and connection by leading groups of seafarers in song and fellowship at the Mission. He also relates well with people from other organisations to help seafarers find the right course of action to meet their needs. His work is a powerful example of what can be achieved when skill and selfless dedication are combined with genuine compassion and humility.”
- Robert Dunn, Chair MtS Sydney
“Thank you! This award belongs to all of us. We achieved this because we worked together with one heart, one purpose, and one goal. I’m grateful to be part of such a dedicated and supportive team—every effort, every idea, and every contribution made this possible. Thank you to all those who believe in what we do.”
- Rev Retchie
Mission to Seafarers Sydney Chaplain Retchie Salvador’s exemplary service makes him a lifeline for thousands of seafarers arriving in Sydney. His work demonstrates what can be achieved when skill and commitment are united with genuine compassion and supported by an effective, long-established organisation. Rev Salvador’s dedication, compassion and service exemplify the heart of seafarer welfare.
When Chaplain Retchie steps aboard a vessel, his warm and gentle manner make it easy for seafarers to respond when he asks “How are you doing?” His deceptively simple question often opens doors to conversations about loneliness, anxiety, and trauma that many seafarers would otherwise carry in silence. His ability to build rapport quickly is underpinned by his fluency in four Filipino languages and Korean. He grew up in the remote highland regional of Luzon in the Philippines so understands the challenges of changing countries and the needs of multi-cultural communities.
He goes above and beyond expectations – driving to find favourite snacks for Filipino crew, supporting the crew after the MV Portland incident in Sydney in 2022, bringing joy through singalongs and taking WhatsApp and Facebook calls from seafarers long after their ships have left Sydney. Chaplain Retchie’s caring work helps seafarers maintain mental, physical and emotional health and dignity, ultimately contributing to safer and more effective maritime operations.
Challenges Overcome
Seafarers’ welfare chaplaincy is emotionally demanding. Retchie faces the constant challenge of providing meaningful support within narrow timeframes, across language barriers, and often in traumatic contexts – such as accidents, illness, or deaths at sea. He does not shy away from these realities, instead leaning into them with resilience, empathy, and prayer if asked.
The relationships Retchie builds endure well beyond a single port call. His continued contact with seafarers, strengthens trust in welfare networks worldwide and reassures crews that they are never forgotten.
