Our Mission

The purpose of the Mission to Seafarers is to promote the spiritual, moral and physical well-being of Seafarers and their families world-wide.

About THE MISSION TO SEAFARERS: Port of Thunder Bay

The services of the Mission to Seafarers are available to any seafarers in the Port of Thunder Bay, however the focus is on ocean-going ships as they have foreign crews. The chaplain, Rev’d Canon Ed Swayze, or a volunteer ship visitor visits ocean going ships within 24 hours of it coming alongside to orient the crew to the city, arrange for a pick-up with the Mission’s van and respond to requests for help. Volunteers pick crew up at their ship, take them to the Seafarers’ Centre at Keefer Terminal, shopping, and back to the ship. Volunteers provide hospitality for the seafarers at the Centre; telephones, Internet computers, wireless internet and satellite TV are there for seafarers to use. Bibles, magazines, books, and clothing are collected and made available to the seafarers to take. SIM cards are sold and a Tuck Shop has toiletries, snacks and souvenir items for sale. The service is available to all seafarers regardless of nationality or religion. Most services are offered without charge, although donations are encouraged.