Mentorship Matters To New Mariners
By The Rev. Geoffrey Davis, Chaplain, The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI)
The maritime industry is often a “family tradition” of sorts, with generations following in the footsteps of parents and grandparents who dedicated their careers to a life on the water. This was true for me. My own entry point was my father, a tugboat captain. When I was first starting out, a new mariner, I frequently called him to tell him about my work and my struggles. Sometimes I took his advice, and sometimes I didn’t, but those conversations helped to ground my perspective and keep me from walking away from the industry over what I saw, then, as seemingly insurmountable challenges.
As I developed in my career, I found another invaluable mentor: a Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) chaplain who, like my father, was knowledgeable about the challenges faced by mariners, and who was also an attentive listener and sounding board when I was faced with challenges or with major transitions in my life. Their presence offered a respite to the often isolating and constantly demanding environment when working on boats.
For new mariners, whether they have family connections in the industry or not, those early challenges—like adjusting to crewmates with strong personalities, dealing with clunky and aging equipment, enduring long contracts or standing night watches—can be overwhelming. A negative first assignment, without someone there for guidance, can lead a mariner to believe he or she made the wrong decision and that the industry may not be the right fit. Facing that kind of discouragement, compounded by on-the-job fatigue, almost certainly leads to dejection or despair. I faced that myself when I was on boats, and having an SCI chaplain in my life as a mentor made a difference.
The industry does what it can to help address stress and emotional challenges its mariners face. While programmatic solutions may help with the broader issues, I know from my time as a mariner that the key to sustaining a young maritime career is building relationships and getting new mariners to feel like they are part of, and safe within, a community. With a career on boats now behind me, I find myself on the other side of things. I joined SCI’s Ministry on the River (MOR) in 2024, but I was a chaplain associate before that, and I now make my way to boats in my region and make a point to meet with as many new mariners as I can.
Building mentorship takes time and trust. It starts with an introduction—sharing contact information and letting mariners know they can reach out anytime. It doesn’t stop there. MOR chaplains follow up. We return to boats, ports and vessels to check in and maintain connections. When I don’t have the right advice for a new mariner, I connect them with seasoned professionals who do. Relationships sustain careers. Having someone to guide and encourage young mariners can mean the difference between staying in the industry and leaving prematurely.
If you’re a new mariner looking for a mentor or an industry leader who is willing to offer guidance, SCI’s MOR chaplains or chaplain associates are a great place to start. That said, while mentorship is one focus, SCI is here for all mariners, regardless of where they are in their career. Whether the challenges are work-related or personal, we offer a listening ear, understanding, practical guidance and—if requested—spiritual support.
MOR chaplains are also available in times of crisis. I encourage maritime operators and mariners to keep our 24-hour emergency phone line accessible on board vessels and in shoreside offices: 800.708.1998 or chaplain@seamenschurch.org.
I am the MOR chaplain serving the Lower Mississippi River and Gulf Coast region, and I can be reached at gdavis@seamenschurch.org. SCI also has MOR chaplains serving the Upper Mississippi River and Ohio River region, the Houston Ship Channel and the Gulf Coast region. Chaplain associates are stationed in 14 additional states along the inland waterways and coastal areas. Wherever you are along the water, we’re here to support you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
For more information about SCI or to make a donation to support the vital work we do, visit our website at www.seamenschurch.org.
