Welcome to The Mission to Seafarers
Southern Ontario
The Shipping Industry
How often do you think about where everyday things come from—or how they got here? The mouse for your computer, the shoes on your feet, the mug for your coffee, or even the coffee in your mug? Over 90% of world trade is shipped by sea, yet this crucial process happens quietly in the background, invisible to most of us as we go about our daily lives.
When COVID-19 led to supply chain disruptions, we were reminded just how essential shipping is for keeping store shelves stocked. Images of congested ports in California and the Suez Canal blockage underscored our reliance on ships to transport goods worldwide.
But what about the seafarers behind the scenes? Many were unable to leave their ships for months during the pandemic, stranded just offshore but prohibited from disembarking. This was just one more challenge in a job already fraught with risks like piracy, shipwrecks, and abandonment.
That’s where The Mission to Seafarers Southern Ontario steps in. We provide emotional and spiritual care, address practical needs when possible, and ensure that seafarers know they are not forgotten.
What We Do
The Mission to Seafarers Southern Ontario is an independent not-for-profit welfare organization operating in the Ports of Oshawa, Toronto, Hamilton and Port Colborne. With roots grounded in the values of the Anglican tradition, the Mission is a place to call home for seafarers visiting our ports of call. MTSSO extends a warm welcome to seafarers regardless of faith or background, and provides a variety of services including free Wi-Fi, local transportation, and pastoral care.
A Lifeline for Seafarers
Whether caring for victims of piracy, providing a lifeline to seafarers stranded in foreign ports, or offering a space to relax and a listening ear, the Mission to Seafarers is available around the clock to support the world’s 1.5 million seafarers. Founded in 1856, the Mission relies entirely on voluntary donations to continue its vital work.
Chaplaincy
Our ship-visiting chaplains provide a warm welcome, offering help, support, and guidance to seafarers. As a global society of the Anglican Church, the Mission to Seafarers serves individuals of all faiths, working in partnership with other religious groups to meet their diverse spiritual needs.
Emergency Help
In emergencies, the Mission to Seafarers is often the only source of help. Whether facing injury, abandonment, unpaid wages, or personal difficulties, seafarers know they can rely on their local Mission for support. Our chaplains and volunteers provide practical assistance, financial aid, advocacy services, family liaison, or simply a listening ear during times of crisis.
Justice and Welfare
We provide justice and welfare services to seafarers who face unpaid wages, substandard working conditions, bullying, or wrongful arrest. Our staff can intervene directly, connecting them with professional support and legal advice through a network of local experts and contacts.
Experienced Counsellors
Seafarers often endure harsh working conditions, conflicts among crew members, and prolonged isolation from their families, leading to common struggles with depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Our chaplains are specially trained to recognize and address signs of PTSD. In the wake of pirate attacks, shipwrecks, or industrial disasters, they provide compassionate care, offering support amid the challenges of post-incident interrogations and bureaucracy.
Hospitality and Communication
Our Mission Centres in Hamilton and Oshawa offer hospitality and provide seafarers with the opportunity to connect with their families through internet and phone facilities. Located in industrial areas far from shops and amenities, our centres also offer transportation, helping seafarers make the most of their limited time ashore.
