Services — The Ministry to Seafarers

Here for you when you need…

M2S exists for the purpose of meeting the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of seafarers through chaplaincy, advocacy, friendship and practical hospitality.

Someone to talk to
- Share both your joys and sorrows in one-on-one conversations with a staff member or volunteer
- Speak confidentially to chaplains about personal or family matters
- Find a listening ear if you wish to talk about the stress of spending long periods of time away from home
- Connect with others through games, karaoke and monthly events
Hope for the future
- Daily visits by chaplains to your ship when in port for conversation, prayer, and encouragement
- Regular prayer from our staff and prayer team for you and your distant family
- Free Bibles (available in 52 languages!), devotionals and CDs to take with you
Wellbeing support
- Regular visits if you are in hospital or other institution
- Awareness of your rights as a seafarer within maritime law
- Non-preferential relationships with ships' Officers and ratings to be able to mediate for you on justice issues

Tailored to Your Schedule

While you are in Port of Montreal you can expect to see one of our chaplains, interns or volunteers on board your vessel. We visit ships every day. We are happy to meet you and your crew and spend some time with you while you’re on your breaks or having lunch. Over a cup of tea or coffee, this gives our chaplains a chance to hear about your work, your families, and the joys and struggles of both.

Chaplains Michelle and David have forged many friendships during these times of casual, open conversation. We bring a supply of SIM cards to sell so that seafarers who can’t go ashore can call home.

Drivers can also help you out by dropping you off in downtown Montreal to run errands or purchase items not available at the Seafarers’ Centre (called Mariners’ House). You can request a pick-up and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule. You’re also invited to come back to Mariners' House where you can spend time relaxing, contacting friends and family, socializing with our staff, volunteers, and fellow seafarers, and enjoying a variety of activities that are available. Other volunteers spend time helping out at the Seafarers’ Centre behind the Sea Chest snack bar and gift counter, or help host Events designed to help you get your mind off work and meet seafarers from other vessels.

The chaplains offer closing prayers to anyone who would like to participate. At closing time, the shuttle service leaves Mariners' House to return you and other seafarers to your ships.

NOTE: Since COVID-19, the Seafarers’ Centre is currently operating at reduced hours. Opening hours are posted on our website and social media pages.

Facilities

We share the Seafarers' Centre with Mariners' House and Stella Maris on the Grand Quai in the Old Port of Montreal. In addition to housing our offices, the Seafarers' Centre also contains the following amenities:

Chapel

A quiet, multi-denominational sanctuary, with piano, for evening prayers and/or services.
TV Room

A place to watch videos, movies, and documentaries, or view current events.
Free Wi-Fi

Free Internet. Webcams and computers available at a minimal cost.
Snack Bar

Free coffee and tea for seafarers. Other beverages and snack food also available for sale.
Money Services

Currency exchange, postal services, and Western Union transfers are available to your home country.
Lounge

A quiet, secluded sitting area with a library of books and magazines which are free for the taking.
Activities

Enjoy Karaoke, Foosball, pool, billiards, table tennis, board games, and special monthly events.
SIM Cards

Purchase SIM cards and stay in touch with your loved ones back home wherever you are.
Shop

Buy toiletries, clothing, souvenirs, and many other items at The Sea Chest for your on-board needs or as gifts.