Helping Seafarers for over 200 Years
The Charleston Port and Seafarers Society
We are a Christian organization that exists for the purpose of welcoming and serving the needs of those men and women who make their livelihood in the port or at sea, without regard for nationality, race, ethnicity, politics or religion.
Each year, more than 65,000 seafarers arrive on hundreds of vessels in the Charleston Port.
Most crews are made up of seafarers from many different countries and from many cultures. Three to four nationalities are common on one vessel, with a crew of around 25 seafarers. Many are lonely away from home, and their families for up to a year at a time. The need and opportunity for ministry to these brothers and sisters is tremendous.
We operate three Seafarers Centers at Wando Welch Terminal, North Charleston Terminal, Hugh Leatherman and Columbus Street Terminal. All Centers provide religious material, Bibles, magazines and other items along with phone, computer and internet access.
We have vehicles and volunteers ready to provide free transportation to local shopping and other attractions. Our volunteers are committed to providing what the visiting seafarers need and we go to great lengths to make sure they are helped.
We depend on volunteers
Annually, the volunteers serve over 800 ships, serve 5000 officers and 15,000 crew members in the ministry centers, and provide at least 1700 transportation trips to help crew with personal needs.
Our volunteers log over 7,000 hours of service to these men and women each year.
The dedicated team of volunteers serve crews that consist of persons from diverse worldwide countries and from many cultures. Three to four nationalities are common for one vessel, with a crew of around 24 seafarers. Many are away from home and their families for up to 8 months at a time. The need and opportunity for ministry to these brothers and sisters is tremendous.