Seafarers’ Centres
 Seafarers’ centres give visiting seafarers the chance to
relax in a friendly and safe environment. Centres offer a
meeting point and a source of information.
Visiting seafarers are encouraged to communicate with
their families by post, telephone or internet, depending on
what is available locally. Other services might include:
exercise and leisure facilities; shops selling toiletries,
phone cards and souvenirs; books and clothing; and a bar, restaurant or cafeteria.
Wherever possible, arrangements are made for Catholic
seafarers to receive the sacraments from the chaplain or
local parish priest. Most seafarers’ centres have their own
chapel or prayer room.
In many countries seafarers’ centres also offer services
to local seafarers and to family and community groups. These
include orientation courses for new graduates of maritime
schools and skills training or support groups for seafarers’
families and wives.
Centres run by the Apostleship of the Sea are
traditionally called Stella Maris Centres. In many ports
around the world the Apostleship of the Sea works from
ecumenical seafarers’ centres in partnership with other
Christian churches.
Photograph: A seafarer receives a free haircut at the
Stella Maris Centre in Barcelona where the service is
available every Friday night. |