by Jon Rose
The Mariners’ Project has most recently commenced a series of interviews with both active and retired chaplains from the Missions to Seafarers charity with a view to supplementing the more historical components of the project. The Mission currently operates in over 200 ports worldwide across 50 different countries providing essential support and care for seafarers, assisting them in dealing with the challenges of life at sea. Undertaking these interviews has been made possible through the generous support and co-operation of the Mission with their suggesting and making the initial approach to serving and retired chaplains for interview. The oral history methodology adopted has been formally approved by the human research ethics process. It is anticipated that during the academic year 2025/26 some 10-15 current and retired mission chaplains will be interviewed with their anonymity assured as far as possible.
To date three interviews have been conducted with two serving ordained mission chaplains and one retired. As the interviewer, I have a background of some 35 years in education as teacher, school inspector and LEA county chief officer. Being ordained myself has helped me considerably at a pastoral level to recognize the immense value of port chaplaincy work with seafarers of all nationalities. I also hold an MPhil degree from Bristol University following earlier research in colonial religious history.
Drawing on years of experience, the chaplains interviewed so far have demonstrated that their role extends well beyond religious or spiritual guidance. Their work encompasses a wide range of support: from arranging phone calls to loved ones and assisting with medical appointments to simply providing a listening ear or a small, thoughtful gift. Such anecdotal acts, as have been described, though often simple, have a pronounced impact, breaking the monotony and loneliness of life at sea and reminding seafarers that they are neither invisible nor forgotten.
What has also emerged is that the port chaplaincy role is continually evolving in line with changes in the shipping industry. Modern vessels now enforce stricter security and shorter turnaround times, which can limit both the freedom of seafarers and the access of chaplains. In response, however, port mission teams have adapted creatively, making the most of brief encounters to offer encouragement and assistance. Despite these challenges, the chaplains talked with have all described a strong sense of fulfilment and privilege in their work, viewing it as a calling. The relationships built with seafarers, grounded in mutual respect and understanding, are cited as especially rewarding. Expressions of racism amongst seafarers appear to be much less than former times.
An important component of the interview is an attempt to assess the degree to which in the ports where the chaplains have served or are serving there remains a legacy in any form of British colonialism. The interviewees so far have tended to suggest that while there may be traces apparent occasionally, with independence gained it is ostensibly a matter of the past. Even so this will remain a distinct area of discussion as future interviews proceed.