South Jersey Ports and the Seamen’s Church Institute of Philadelphia & South Jersey partnered throughout the month of May to support seafarers during Mental Health Awareness Month, bringing resources, connection, and care directly to crews working across port terminals. Life at sea can be demanding, and the isolation of long voyages often makes it difficult for mariners to access support when they need it most. Dave Mayer, Executive Director & CEO of South Jersey Ports, noted, “Crews work in demanding environments that are far from home and regular support systems and that can be stressful.” Partnering with SCI allowed us to bring meaningful resources directly to the individuals who keep our supply chain moving to ensure their health and wellbeing.
Throughout the month, teams from both organizations visited vessels to distribute mental health information brochures, share lunch with crews, and talk openly about the importance of checking in with one another. The visits also highlighted the wide range of confidential support services available both locally and internationally, including chaplain visits, 24/7 helplines, and live chat assistance for mariners around the world.
Mariner wellness has long been overlooked in occupational and public health research, creating significant gaps in understanding the physical and mental health challenges facing crews. To help fill that void, Seamen’s Church Institute partnered with researchers at Yale University to conduct one of the most comprehensive assessments of mariner wellbeing to date. Their findings underscored the urgency of this work: according to SCI’s U.S. Inland Mariner Wellness Assessment, more than 75% of crisis responses in 2025 handled by Ministry on the River chaplains were tied to physical or mental health concerns, while only 23% were related to accidents. Mariners reported challenges including extreme fatigue, anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicidal thoughts, highlighting a growing wellness crisis across the industry.
Reflecting on this need, Helen Pierson, Executive Director of Seamen’s Church Institute, emphasized the importance of meeting mariners where they are. “Mariners face unique pressures that can take a real toll on mental health. By working alongside port partners, we’re able to offer compassionate support and remind crews that help is always within reach.”
May’s ship visits were supported by port employees, Local 18 leadership, and SCI staff, whose collective efforts ensured that crews not only received information but also felt seen, supported, and valued. As the resource flyer shared during the visits reminded us, “Strong crews look out for each other.” Reaching out early—whether to a peer, a chaplain, or a trained professional—remains one of the most effective ways to protect wellbeing.