The Charleston Port and Seafarers' Society

Each year, more than 65,000 seafarers, from more than 50 countries, arrive on hundreds of vessels to the Charleston Port.  

Most crews consist of persons from diverse third-world countries and from many cultures. Three to four nationalities are common for one vessel, with a crew of around 25 seafarers. Many are poor, exploited, and away from home for more than 8 months to a year at a time. The need and opportunity for ministry to these brothers and sisters is tremendous.

Seafarers' Center—ChaPSS maintains a dockside center at the Wando-Welch Terminal within walking distance of the ships. Seafarers can use the phones and access computers with free Internet service. We also offer low-cost phone cards to the seafarers, as well as provide cell phone usage to those crew members who cannot leave their ships.

Transportation—ChaPSS provides two 14-passenger vans to transport seamen for individual needs. A taxi trip to the local Wal-Mart costs $35 one-way and taxi service to and from the port is very unreliable. One seafarer reported waiting two hours for a taxi. ChaPSS provides transportation as needed, free of charge.

Volunteer Teams—More than 45 dedicated volunteers serve these crew members with:

• ship visits to fellowship with the seafarers, offer prayer support, bring Christian and secular literature, and provide free Bible and devotionals in more than 30 languages.
• free transportation to the crew for shopping, doctor appointments, and visits to local churches. Because some crew members don't have visa or shore passes and can't leave the ship when in port, our volunteers will even do shopping for the crew, getting their needed personals supplies. 

Chaplain's Assistance—Our chaplains will celebrate the sacraments for the seafarers.  They also offer counseling and prayer support as needed.

Christmas at Sea—This annual program provides Christmas gift boxes to the seafarers with items such as knitted hats or scarves, gloves, toiletry items, puzzles, playing cards, and hard candy. In 2006 we distributed 1,682 gift boxes.