Supporting the need of the hour

Supporting The Mission to Seafarers in launching – Digital Chaplaincy – ‘Chat to a Chaplain’ messenger service

Vickers Oils are proud to sponsor the digital chaplaincy’ support service for seafarers launched by The Mission to Seafarers, a maritime welfare charity in partnership with  International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA).

Seafaring is stressful at the best of times and faces a mental health crisis. With seafarers spending months at sea, away from family and friends, they often require port-specific advice or even emotional support.

The Mission to Seafarers provides help and support to the world’s 1.5 million seafarers in over 200 ports in 50 countries caring for seafarers of all ranks, nationalities, and beliefs. Through their global network of chaplains, staff, and volunteers, they offer practical, emotional, and spiritual support to seafarers through ship visits, drop-in seafarers’ centres and a range of welfare and emergency support services.

In light of the current circumstances, when anxiety is heightened, ‘The Mission to Seafarers’ launches a  digital chaplaincy messenger service – ‘Chat to a Chaplain’  for vulnerable seafarers around the world unable to seek direct contact with Chaplains due to the  Covid-19 pandemic. Providing a digital alternative to the usual support networks and channels that is available 24/7 will enhance remote welfare services and allow seafarers to access vital support when they need it most.

Vickers Oils have been part of the marine industry for more than 140 years and are very closely associated with the seafarers. With ‘People Matter’ at the heart of our business, we are committed to supporting this programme and pleased to be associated with ‘The Mission to Seafarers’ charity in the excellent work they are conducting for the vulnerable seafarers and their families.

Vickers Oils started trading in Leeds in 1828 and remain a private, independent company. From beginnings in supplying oil for the woollen textile industry, the company added marine lubricants in the 1880s and built up an export business that now accounts for almost all its output.

The Vickers family has sought to allow its values and beliefs to steer the way it runs the business, which has meant prioritising decency, honesty, and fairness over and above rapid profit seeking. Vickers Oils has developed valued products as well as enduring trust and respect with both workforce and customers, gaining a worldwide reputation in the process.

For more information, email us at inbox@vickers-oil.com.