Volunteer Opportunity

Purpose

Over the past 5 years, about 100 to 150 ocean-going vessels come each year to Thunder Bay with crews from India, Philippines, Poland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Netherlands 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, with stations in every region of the world. 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 local Mission to Seafarers, of which about 11 who work as a Driver/Watch Keeper.

Job Responsibilities

Driver/Watch Keeper   answers the phone and coordinates pickups, drives a 10 passenger van, picks up seafarers at their ship, and takes them to shopping, and returns them to their ship. Sometimes they take seafarers on an excursion to Fort William Historical Park or Kakabeka Falls. A Driver/Watch Keeper assists seafarers in any way possible.

When seafarers come to the Seafarers’ Centre they may sell souvenirs, stamps and post-cards; distribute warm clothing, Bibles and magazines, and this work involves looking after petty cash.

 

Normally a Driver/Watch Keeper will work alone, and a second Driver/Watch Keeper will be scheduled if it is anticipated that an additional person will be needed.

Ship Visitor visits ships in the afternoon: dropping off a bag with magazines and tourist information and making appointments for pick-ups with the Mission’s van. The Ship Visitor may agree to seafarers’ requests for assistance if they can help. 

Other volunteers help with office work, maintenance, fund-raising or being a Director.

    Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes

    Volunteers must support the purpose of the Mission and be able to get themselves to the Seafarers Centre; it is not on a bus route.

    A Driver requires a G license, and acceptance as a Driver depends on the insurance company not disqualifying a Driver. 

    Volunteers, who have experience as a Driver/Watch Keeper, are able bodied and can drive the van, may become a Ship Visitor. 

    Relationships

    The Seafarers’ Centre is normally staffed with a Driver/Watch Keeper, and when necessary a second volunteer. The Chaplain is responsible for training and supervision of volunteers and is in overall charge of the operation of the Seafarers’ Centre. The Board of Directors oversees him.

    Time Commitment

    The Seafarers’ Centre may be staffed frmo March 25 to December 21, with the busiest times in May and October to December. Driver/Watch Keepers are normally scheduled one night per week; and they are called in if seafarers request assistance, which is about 50% of the time or 120 nights. Volunteers, who can be flexible about the night they can come in, will be given more opportunity to help. 

    A Ship Visitor may be scheduled one afternoon per week.

    Allowance is made for volunteers who go away or need time off. 

    Rewards/Benefits

    The gratitude of the seafarers is the main benefit.

    Orientation/Training

    If someone is interested in becoming a volunteer, contact the Chaplain. The Chaplain will interview them at the Seafarers’ Centre and discuss how they can get involved.

    It they are interested in becoming a Driver/Watch Keeper, they will be accepted for a 3‑month probationary period. They are given an orientation session, attend three lectures, a port tour and on-the-job training. A Ship Visitor, Driver/Watch Keeper’s Handbook has been written and is given to each Driver/Watch Keeper to use as a resource.

    A Ship Visitor is expected to complete the Ship Welfare Visitor course within one year of being appointed as a Ship Visitor. This course has an on-line component and 6 ship visits with a short report for each visit that is given to the Chaplain.

    The Chaplain and designated volunteers provide on-going supervision.

    Volunteers are invited to attend the monthly Eucharist and lunch on the first Wednesday of the month at 12:10 pm.

    Contact The Rev’d Canon Ed Swayze, Chaplain 807-344-8241.

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