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MARINERS DEPEND ON SCI.
SCI DEPENDS ON YOU.
| | SCI Chaplains coordinated to have members of Stella Maris (pictured on the far right) visit the ARM Cuauhtémoc, providing support to the crew members aboard the vessel. | | |
IN THIS ISSUE – July 2025
- See You On The Mountain: Register for the 2025 SCI Mountain Challenge
- Advocating for Seafarer Safety: Phil Schifflin Attends IMO and ILO Meetings in London
- CMA Summer Intern Visits International Seafarers' Center and Port Newark
- SCI Supports 2025 Mariner Mental Health & Wellbeing Survey
- We Are Here for Whatever the Mariner Needs
- Pilot and Tug Master Training: A Win for Maritime Safety
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Responding with Compassion: SCI Supports the Crew of the ARM Cuauhtémoc After Tragic Incident
- An Interfaith Service in Honor of the International Day of the Seafarer
- SCI Welcomes New Senior Manager of Individual Giving
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From the SCI Archives—Beneath the Waves: Remembering the RMS Carpathia and SCI’s Titanic Legacy
| | THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS | | SCI invites the maritime community to join us on September 25–28, 2025 at the Sunday River Resort in Maine for a test of endurance inspired by mariners. | | Advocating for Seafarer Safety: Phil Schifflin Attends IMO and ILO Meetings in London | | |
Phil Schifflin, Esq., Director of the Seamen’s Church Institute’s Center for Mariner Advocacy, recently traveled to London to participate in two major international events focused on the rights and safety of seafarers.
He attended the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee meeting, as well as a one-day conference addressing the growing concern of the criminalization of seafarers. The conference, titled “Protecting Seafarers Against Criminalization: What More Can Be Done?”, was jointly hosted by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the IMO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). A central goal of the conference was to promote the newly adopted “Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers Detained in Connection with Alleged Crimes.” Phil played an instrumental role in the development of these guidelines, which were the result of a multi-year collaborative effort at both the IMO and ILO.
In addition to advocating for implementation of the guidelines, the conference explored the possibility of tracking criminalization cases involving seafarers in the same manner that abandonment cases are currently monitored. Participants also considered whether independent investigations should be conducted when there are allegations of unfair criminalization. While this idea was compelling to many in attendance, it did not garner unanimous support and would face considerable practical challenges if pursued. Despite differing views on specific proposals, there was unanimous agreement on the need for continued international dialogue on this issue. Phil remains committed to following this matter closely and plans to participate in future discussions and conferences on seafarer criminalization.
Following the conference, Phil attended the Maritime Safety Committee meeting, where several seafarer-related topics were on the agenda. These included human element considerations related to autonomous vessels, specifically what aspects must be addressed now versus those that can be deferred; the need for improved security measures to better protect ships against piracy and cybersecurity threats; and the importance of developing more effective guidance on escape routes from the lower parts of machinery spaces. The committee also examined ways to prevent accidents involving falls from height, proposed incorporating human-centered design principles more intentionally into vessel design standards, and revisited longstanding concerns around seafarer fatigue.
Seafarer fatigue, which includes issues related to hours of work and rest as well as manning levels, was a recurring theme. Although the topic had been raised at the ILO meeting Phil attended in April, but time constraints prevented it from being fully addressed. At the Maritime Safety Committee, the issue resurfaced with greater focus. Of all the matters discussed, Phil found the topic of seafarer fatigue the most urgent and compelling. He emphasized that ensuring adequate rest and safe working conditions is essential to the well-being and safety of mariners. Phil expressed strong support for all initiatives discussed at the meeting but reiterated his intention to prioritize fatigue mitigation as a central advocacy issue moving forward.
| | CMA Summer Intern Visits International Seafarers' Center, Port Newark | | CMA Intern, Leilany Rodriguez (left) and SCI Chaplain Michelle McWilliams at Port Newark. | | |
Each summer, the Seamen’s Church Institute welcomes a Tulane University Law student, selected as the Center for Mariner Advocacy's summer intern, to New York City for an immersive experience in the region's maritime industry. Today, this year’s CMA intern, Leilany Rodriguez, toured the International Seafarers' Center in Port Newark, guided by Doug Stevenson, former Director of SCI’s Center for Seafarers’ Rights, and Matt Morse, Esq., current ISC Director. She also joined SCI Chaplain Michelle McWilliams on ship visits, where she met with seafarers to learn more about their lives and work.
Reflecting on her visit, Rodriguez said: "It was an incredible experience visiting Port Newark and the ISC. Having the opportunity to speak directly with seafarers and learn more about their daily lives and motivations was truly rewarding. Walking through the port and climbing aboard those massive vessels gave me a whole new perspective on the scale of these operations and deepened my appreciation for the essential role seafarers play in the global economy. It reaffirmed the importance of protecting their well-being and ensuring their voices are heard."
| | SCI Supports 2025 Mariner Mental Health & Wellbeing Survey | | |
Through the Seamen’s Church Institute’s Center for Mariner Advocacy, we engage health and maritime industry professionals to advance policy, initiatives, and best practices that support mariner mental health and overall wellbeing. We also recognize that useful data is essential in developing effective support systems that address the industry's unique needs. To that end, we are pleased to assist Dr. Marissa Baker from the University of Washington’s School of Public Health in distributing the 2025 Mariner Mental Health and Wellbeing Survey.
[This survey is open only to U.S. citizens and mariners working on U.S.-flagged vessels. It is designed to gather information about their mental health, wellbeing, and work experiences, and gauge how the industry has rebounded since COVID-19. This survey has been reviewed by representatives from: MARAD, SOCP, CMTS, NOAA, Maritime Academies, American Waterways Operators. Please share this post/link with U.S. mariners and maritime operators]
| | We Are Here for Whatever the Mariner Needs | | |
by Chaplain Grace Pardun
Supervisory Chaplain, Ministry on the River
At the Seamen’s Church Institute’s Center for Maritime Education (CME) in Paducah, we often welcome tour groups, students, mariners, and members of the public. It’s an opportunity to share the story of SCI and explain the three primary ways we serve mariners: training, advocacy, and chaplaincy.
Kelly Butts, Assistant Director of the CME in Paducah, always concludes our overview with a powerful reminder:
“We are here for whatever the mariner needs.”
As the chaplaincy leader, I hold that mission close, especially when mariners experience grief, crisis, or deep personal need.
About a month ago, we lost a young deckhand who was working on the Upper Mississippi River. Alongside an SCI Chaplain Associate, I provided a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) debrief and grief counseling to the crew. But in speaking with the deckhand’s family and the company, I learned they needed more: someone to officiate the funeral and a space for the reception.
Without hesitation, I asked Kelly if we could host the gathering at CME-Paducah. Her response echoed the heart of our mission: “Of course! We are here for whatever the mariner needs.”
At the funeral, I offered words of comfort to a grieving family and shocked crewmates. I reminded them of Jesus’ promise—that where two or more are gathered, He is present. We presented the merchant mariner flag to the deckhand’s mother, thanking her for bringing such a remarkable person into the world. Afterward, we invited everyone to the CME for BBQ and a time to share memories.
During the reception, I noticed the deckhand’s fiancée step outside toward the river. A storm was approaching—dark clouds and heavy rain loomed. But suddenly, the sky opened up and the brightest rainbow I have ever seen stretched across the water, spanning from a towboat to a barge. The young woman turned to me and said, with tears in her eyes: “He’s okay. He’s telling me he is okay.”
In that moment, the mariner didn’t need training. He didn’t need an advocate. What he needed was for his fiancée to feel his joy and peace beyond this life. Afterward, the maritime company and the family expressed heartfelt gratitude for our support. But truly, all SCI did was open a door—for presence, for peace, and for the Spirit to work.
| | Pilot and Tug Master Training: A Win for Maritime Safety | | |
Building on the success of previous years, KOTUG and SCI’s Center for Maritime Education (CME) once again joined forces in Houston to deliver an intensive and highly practical training program for KOTUG's Tug Masters and Buckeye Bahamas Hub’s Pilots operating in Freeport, Grand Bahamas.
This year, the program took place over four separate sessions of two days each at CME’s state-of-the-art facilities, featuring one ship bridge and two tug bridges, providing a highly realistic and immersive environment.
In total, a group of 8 tug masters and 7 pilots attended the sessions. This hands-on training was designed to further strengthen collaboration and enhance safety standards during ship assist operations.
A notable update to this year’s curriculum was the close collaboration with Kyle Ward, the head pilot from Buckeye. Together, CME and KOTUG customized the simulation exercises to match the specific operational profiles and vessel types the pilots and tug masters encounter in their daily work. This tailored approach ensured the highest level of relevance and practical value for every participant.
The program was led by KOTUG’s experienced pilot trainer Juan Blankenburgh and Waldo de Waal, overseeing the tug operations, with strong support from the CME team under the guidance of Director, Capt. Stephen Polk.
KOTUG and CME believe that safety at sea starts with thorough training on land, learning from experienced mariners and utilizing cutting-edge simulator technology. Initiatives like this are crucial to continuously raise the bar in operational excellence and maritime safety. Both organizations are proud to contribute to developing highly skilled professionals who keep global shipping safe, efficient, and reliable.
| | Responding with Compassion: SCI Supports the Crew of the ARM Cuauhtémoc After Tragic Incident | Fr. Andy Egargo, Fr. John Corbett, and Deacon Fred Ferrara of Stella Maris offered Mass for sixty crew members about the ARM Cuauhtémoc. | |
After the tragic allision of the ARM Cuauhtémoc with the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025, the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) responded swiftly and compassionately to support the crew during a time of grief and uncertainty. In close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and GMD Shipyard in Brooklyn, SCI reached out to the vessel to offer care and assistance, consistent with its enduring mission to serve all mariners whenever and wherever they need it.
SCI Chaplains Michelle McWilliams and the Rev. Dr. Bill Allport visited the Cuauhtémoc upon its arrival at GMD Shipyard on June 10 for initial repairs. During their time onboard, they offered spiritual care, emotional support, and a compassionate presence to a crew still processing the traumatic event. Through continued communication with Chaplain Allport, the ship’s captain and crew expressed a desire for a Roman Catholic Mass and memorial prayers conducted in Spanish, as a way to honor and grieve their fallen shipmates.
On June 23, SCI helped bring that vision to life. Chaplain Allport coordinated efforts with Stella Maris—also known as "Apostleship of the Sea"—to arrange a meaningful service onboard the vessel. He escorted Fr. Andy Egargo, Fr. John Corbett, and Deacon Fred Ferrara to the ship, where they led a solemn and heartfelt time of prayer, reflection, and remembrance. More than sixty members of the crew gathered together for this sacred moment, which included memorial prayers for Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos (23) and América Yamilet Sánchez (20), the two crew members who lost their lives in the incident.
This response is a testament to SCI’s deeply held commitment to being present for seafarers in their times of greatest need—offering spiritual, emotional, and practical care with compassion, dignity, and respect. Whether providing chaplaincy in ports, onboard vessels, or during times of tragedy, SCI remains dedicated to serving the men and women who sustain global trade and connect the world’s communities.
| Prayers for the two deceased crew members, Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos (23) and América Yamilet Sánchez (20) were offered by those in attendance. | An Interfaith Service in Honor of the International Day of the Seafarer |
| SCI welcomed members of the port community, including other seafarer welfare organizations, to the International Seafarers' Center for a chapel service marking International Day of the Seafarer. | | |
On June 26, the Seamen's Church Institute gathered at the SCI International Seafarers’ Center to honor the men and women who navigate our global waters. The Interfaith Service in celebration of the International Day of the Seafarer was a moving tribute to the essential—yet often unseen—contributions of seafarers worldwide.
Representing SCI, the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt, President & Executive Director, joined Matt Morse, Director of the International Seafarers’ Center, for the occasion. The service, thoughtfully led by SCI Chaplains and Chaplain Associates, brought together voices from across both maritime and faith communities. We were privileged to welcome the Rev. Marsh Luther Dredge, Executive Director of the Seafarers International House, and Stephen Lyman, Executive Director of the Maritime Association of the Ports of NY & NJ, who offered their support and presence during this inaugural event.
The vision and spirit behind the service were deeply rooted in SCI’s interfaith mission. As Matt Morse shared: “The Rev. James Kollin has served seafarers as an SCI Chaplain for over 25 years, and his passion for interfaith and ecumenical work inspires me. Speaking with James earlier this year about how to put that passion into practice, the notion of holding an Interfaith Service for the International Day of the Seafarer arose naturally. The Rev. Kollin composed the service, arranged for speakers, and ensured a smooth inaugural service. I look forward to working with Kollin to ensure that 2026’s Interfaith Service for the International Day of the Seafarer is well-publicized within our Port community.”
Through shared prayer and reflection, this gathering stood as a testament to the strength and unity of those who support seafarers—recognizing their dedication and the profound challenges they face at sea.
| | SCI Welcomes New Senior Manager of Individual Giving | | |
The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Suzanne Armstrong as our new Senior Manager of Individual Giving. Based in Maryland, near the Chesapeake Bay, Suzanne brings nearly two decades of nonprofit fundraising and leadership experience to this role.
In her most recent position as Director of Development at the Chesapeake Bay Trust, Suzanne more than doubled unrestricted philanthropic revenue by inspiring individuals and families to deepen their engagement as stewards of natural resources. Her accomplishments are a testament to the knowledge and skillset she brings to SCI.
As Senior Manager of Individual Giving, Suzanne will cultivate meaningful relationships with donors through creative engagement strategies that connect individuals with SCI’s mission, programs, and impact. She will also help shape and execute SCI’s annual giving strategies.
When asked about joining SCI, Suzanne shared: “I’m inspired by SCI’s drive to meet the professional, spiritual, and material needs of seafarers and mariners! I’m equally excited to work with individuals and families to include this critical and unique population in their philanthropy through annual, major, and planned giving initiatives.”
The Seamen’s Church Institute is proud to welcome Suzanne Armstrong aboard.
| | Beneath the Waves: Remembering the RMS Carpathia and SCI’s Titanic Legacy | | |
On July 17, 1918, the RMS Carpathia—famed for rescuing survivors of the Titanic—was sunk by German U-boat SM U-55 off the coast of Ireland. Five brave crew members were lost. While Carpathia's heroism lives on in Titanic history, SCI’s role in that story is often forgotten.
In 1912, SCI memorialized the Titanic with a lighthouse atop our Seafarers’ Hotel at 25 South Street, then under construction. We provided clothing for the surviving Titanic crew. Those seafarers were housed at the nearby American Seamen’s Friend Society Hotel on Jane Street—just opposite Pier 54, where Carpathia had docked. That very building lives on today as the Jane Hotel, seen here in a digitized lantern slide from SCI’s collections. SCI later held a service for survivors at our North River Station at Houston Street, near Pier 40.
The Carpathia's legacy, and SCI’s enduring mission to serve mariners in moments of tragedy and triumph, continue to shape our story.
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