Seamen’s Center, Port of Wilmington, Delaware
A non-profit organization serving visiting seafarers and mariners from around the world to the Port of Wilmington. This ministry is supported, in part, by the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware.
Mailing Address:
PO Box 405, Wilmington DE 19899
Physical Address:
1 Container Road, Wilmington
Telephone:
302 575-1300
The Seamen’s Center of Wilmington (SCW) serves approximately 500 ships annually, representing more than 80 countries. These vessels bring more than 10,000 seafarers to the ports of Delaware in Wilmington, Delaware City and Claymont. The Center’s goal is to extend a warm welcome and offer a respite from the loneliness and isolation of life at sea.
Daily, seamen arrive who are anxious to make contact with the outside world. SCW provides the opportunity to make a call home, wire funds to a spouse or family member, enjoy diversions like: our pool table, musical instruments, pick up free casual clothing from our Clothes Tree, add a piece or two to our ongoing jigsaw puzzle or just relax with a free cup of coffee. A few hours away from their ship is a welcome change.
Many of these seafarers have signed a nine-month contract to sail the seas, bringing all sorts of food and supplies to the Wilmington area. During those months they miss many events we all treasure: the birth of a child, family weddings, funerals, birthdays, holiday celebrations, and Christmas.
All year long our vans take seamen to local retail establishment, primarily Price’s Corner, Wal‐Mart or local supermarkets. They particularly like Delaware’s tax free shopping.
Restrictions brought about by 9/11 prohibit the sailors from walking on the port. They MUST be picked up at their ships and escorted back to their vessels before their shore leave expires. One of the duties of the Seamen’s Center volunteers is to provide this “taxi” service.
Volunteer your time: Your contact with people from all points of the globe will open the world to you. Drivers are particularly needed, as are volunteers to work the desk at the Center. Most volunteers work three-hours once a week or to fill -in for others on vacation or sick.
Your church can participate in Christmas At Sea by preparing gift packages for seamen who will be away from loved ones during the holiday season.
Donate: playing cards, magazines, coffee, tea, men’s clothing, books, videos and cookies.
Offer your financial support as an individual or through your church or business. Call 302 575-1300.
Our Mission
Our mission is to reverse the declining quality of life at sea as experienced by seafarers. Now, more than ever, services provided by the Seamen's Center of Wilmington are needed. The dedication of the Executive Director and a steadily growing corps of volunteers touches the lives of a multitude of seafarers with a commitment to personal, practical and spiritual assistance. Nestled in the heart of the Port of Wilmington complex, the Center offers all mariners arriving in the First State a haven from the lonely routine of life aboard a merchant vessel.
The Heart
The heart of the organization is boundless. In addition to efforts aimed at nourishing the body and mind, the Seamen's Center of Wilmington endeavors to provide special seasonal, philanthropic and spiritual events. Unique programs, like Christmas At Sea and Sea Sunday, offer opportunities for community groups to also contribute.
Sometimes, what a seaman needs most is a sympathetic ear to help in stressful situations. The staff and volunteers understand that people the world over must support one another in times of triumph and in times of tragedy. They listen and respond to the needs of these strangers. When necessary, they can call upon an extensive network of seafaring and community agencies for additional support and guidance.
The Spirit
of the Center was exemplified in the fall of 1999 when the M/V Nora docked at the Port of Wilmington The undermanned vessel was disabled, had no provisions and crew members had not been paid in many months. Learning of their plight, the Seamen's Center of Wilmington mobilized volunteers and the community to provide vital services for the seafarers.
Stranded at the Port, the mariners received food, clothing and supplies. Compassion and understanding were extended by the dedicated volunteers of the Center.
The Body and Mind
of a visiting mariner are rejuvenated by the many amenities available at the Seamen's Center of Wilmington:
- Phone cards; private phone booths
- Free Internet access
- Television and movies
- Souvenirs
- Basketball
- Free pre-owned clothing
- International reading material
- Toiletries
- Pool table
- Snacks
- Guitar
- Free transportation
LINKS
Profile of volunteer Bill Corbishly.
Grace Episcopal Church, Wilmington, Delaware
Volunteer Solutions at Seamen’s Center of Wilmington (United Way website)
Bishop Wright
The Very Rev. Wayne Wright, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Wilmington, says,
"For over 20 years, the Seaman’s Center of Wilmington has effectively served the needs of the forgotten women and men who transport so many daily necessities of life. Few realize that Wilmington is a major East Coast port of entry for automobiles and tropical fruit. Since 2001, changes in port security nationwide have made it very difficult for most of us to connect with lives of seafarers. Their work is hard. Their daily lives are challenging.
"By supporting the Seaman’s Center of Wilmington as volunteers or with financial gifts, we can make a significant, needed difference. If you would like to know more or are interested in becoming more involved, please contact the Center’s Executive Director, Joan Lyons at 302-575-1300."
William Corbishley Receives Award, Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at the Hotel duPont. Congratulations to William "Bill" A. Corbishley, member of Grace Church, Wilmington, on receiving the Babiarz Award from the Port of Wilmington Maritime Society at its Annual Dinner. Bill was instrumental in garnering financial support for establishing the Port of Wilmington, Delaware's Seamen's Center, and served on the first Board of Directors. He then became a Ship Visitor, boarding ships and spending time with seafarers six days a week for fourteen years. Though now retired from his volunteer commitment, he continues to correspond with more than sixty seafarers from around the world. Bill was honored earlier this year by People to People International, Delaware Chapter, receiving their "People Helping People" award for his commitment to welcoming seafarers. 11/2/2011