Volunteer Opportunity

Purpose
Each year 50 to 150 ocean-going vessels come to Thunder Bay with crews from India, Philippines, Poland, Ukraine, and many other countries. English is the working language on these ships.

The purpose of the Mission to Seafarers is to promote the spiritual, moral and physical well being of seafarers and their families world-wide. The Mission to Seafarers is an Anglican Mission. It operates the Seafarers' Centre located at Keefer Terminal, 100 Main St. (extension of the Harbour Expressway). Christian principles and the practice of the Anglican Diocese of Algoma and the Mission to Seafarers of London, England guide the Mission. About 25 volunteers work for the Mission to Seafarers.

Job Responsibilities
Watch Keeper Visit with the seafarers, assist them in contacting their families by selling phone cards, stamps and post-cards, distributing Bibles and magazines and assisting seafarers in any way possible.

Driver Drive a 14 passenger van, pick up seafarers at their ship and take them to the Seafarers' Centre and/or shopping and sometimes to Fort William Historical Park or Kakabeka Falls. It may be necessary for a driver to board a ship to let the crew know he or she is there.

Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes
Watch Keepers should be able to use a calculator. Drivers need a G license and a good driving record. Volunteers do not have to be Anglican, but they must support the purpose of the Mission.

Relationships
The Seafarers' Centre is normally staffed with four volunteers. The Chaplain is responsible for training and supervision of Watch Keepers and Drivers and is in overall charge of the operation of the Seafarers’ Centre and a Board of Directors oversees him.

Time Commitment
The season is April 1 to December 19, with the busiest times in May, and October to December. Volunteers are scheduled one night per week; and they are called in if a ship is alongside. On average, volunteers are called out about 40% of the time. Allowance is made for people who go away or need time off. Volunteers who can be flexible about the night they can come in will be given more opportunity to help. If volunteers are available to do more, they may take on additional tasks to keep the Seafarers' Centre running and help with fund-raising.

Rewards/Benefits
The gratitude of the seafarers is the main benefit.

Orientation/Training
Interested persons are invited to contact the chaplain. The Chaplain will interview them. A visit to the Seafarers’ Centre will be arranged when seafarers are in to see what goes on. It they are interested in becoming a volunteer, they will be accepted for a 3-month probationary period. Acceptance as a driver depends on the report back from the insurance company. They are given an orientation session and on-the-job training. 

The Chaplain and designated volunteers provide on-going supervision. Meetings of the Watch Keepers and Drivers are held periodically through the year for socializing and on-going training, and they are invited to attend the monthly Eucharist and lunch on the first Wednesday of the month at 12:10 p.m..

Contact Rev'd Ed Swayze, chaplain, 626-2571.