SCI President and Executive Director, the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt, joined Tim Tregle on “Between the Levees,” a podcast focused on the living histories of maritime industry personnel in all areas of the business. In this episode, they “discuss the history of SCI from its origins in New York Harbor in 1834 to what it has become today. He also shares a few stories about his time in the U.S. Navy and about his various introductions to and professional experiences with the many aspects of the American maritime industry. We close with a look ahead to what’s in store for the industry in the years to come.”

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Video training for all mariners – anytime, anywhere.

In 2022, the Seamen’s Church Institute’s (SCI) Center for Maritime Education (CME) launched Rules of the Road, a series of short video-based training modules designed to disseminate maritime knowledge. The initial focus was on legal obligations but has expanded to encompass vessel and radar operations. The driving force behind these modules lies in recognizing the limitations of traditional classroom-based maritime education. Classroom learning restricts the number of attendees, requires the onsite presence of instructors, and is confined to a particular time and place. These constraints hinder scalability and accessibility. It became clear that accessibility to asynchronous learning resources was required to meet the evolving needs of maritime operators, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. CME’s Rules of the Road project was designed to do just that.

While Rules of the Road training modules can stand alone, the focus has always been a blended learning approach—combining the strengths of classroom instruction with the versatility of video-based content. By capturing expert knowledge and presenting it clearly and succinctly in video format, SCI aimed to reach a broader audience without the limitations of physical spaces or time constraints.

“One of the key features of this project,” noted Capt. Stephen Polk, Director of SCI’s Center for Maritime Education, “was the incorporation of objectives, not only comprehensive training content but also post-module reviews and tests. This offers opportunities for reinforcement. To me, it’s a natural progression, or enhancement, of classroom and simulator learning.”

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But for CME, Rules of the Road represents more than instructional videos. With every video, CME has a chance to innovate and customize experiences by leveraging its simulator database, building highly realistic scenarios to illustrate critical lessons and concepts. With topographical data and ship models, CME can construct hyper-accurate scenarios that mirror those encountered on the water. This provides mariners with a virtual platform to address situations, apply their knowledge, and hone their skills. “For our videos and our blended learning, our database allows us to look at incidents from any angle, change the weather or time of day, or even test various locations,” said Polk. “This flexibility empowers us to cater to the diverse needs of various maritime operators and professional mariners whether they be new hires, steersmen in training, or seasoned masters.”

The current collection of Rules of the Road videos comprises 17 modules, commencing with legal obligations completed last fall and concluding with the most recent addition covering various aspects of vessel and radar operations. However, it’s important to note that there is potential for expansion. Captain Polk states, “At CME, we highly value the feedback and insights of experienced mariners who participate in our training programs, as their suggestions may catalyze new module ideas. We’re committed to bringing these ideas to fruition if it’s within our capacity.” Through the fusion of the most effective elements of traditional classroom instruction and the realism offered by simulator-based learning, CME’s Rules of the Road modules have emerged as a substantial educational resource for mariners. They complement existing training and classroom experiences or can be conveniently accessed by mariners, regardless of location or time, whether on the job or at home.

Article from the 2023 Fall Lookout Magazine.

Rules of the Road modules can be purchased through the Center for Maritime Education: Tel.: 713.674.1236 Email: cme@seamenschurch.org.

The Rules of the Road are important video lessons for all mariners, as everyone’s safety on the water depends on our common understanding of the rules as they are written, and not the rules based on personal interpretation. Course content is listed below:

• Module 1 | Intro: The Navigation Rules— Purpose and Architecture
• Module 2 | Rules 1 & 3: The Navigation Rules—Application and Definitions
• Module 3 | The Pennsylvania Rule: Understanding Non-Compliance Rules
• Module 4 | Rule 2: The Navigation Rules—Responsibility
• Module 5 | Rule 5: The Navigation Rules—Lookout
• Module 6 | Rule 6: The Navigation Rules—Safe Speed
• Module 7 | Rule 7: The Navigation Rules—Risk of Collision
• Module 8 | Rule 8: The Navigation Rules—Action to Avoid
• Module 9 | Rule 9: The Navigation Rules—Narrow Channels
• Module 10 | Rule 13: The Navigation Rules—Overtaking Situations
• Module 11 | Rule 14: The Navigation Rules—Head-On Situations
• Module 12 | Rule 15: The Navigation Rules–Crossing Situations
• Module 13 | Rule 16: The Navigation Rules—Action by Give-way Vessel
• Module 14 | Rule 17: The Navigation Rules—Action by Stand-On Vessel
• Module 15 | Rule 19: The Navigation Rules-Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
• Module 16 | Rule 34: The Navigation Rules-Maneuvering and Warning Signals
• Module 17 | Radar Adjustments

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The Benefits of SCI’s Partnership with Global Mariner Welfare Organizations.

In September 2023, ICMA’s charity trustees and general membership met in Antwerp, Belgium for the association’s Annual General Meeting. The site for these meetings was the architecturally stunning Havenhuis, or Port House, located in the heart of the bustling port. Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world, is one of the largest commercial ports in Europe— second only to neighboring Rotterdam—with 15,000 ships and 60,000 inland barges arriving annually. The Havenhuis, originally a 19th century fire station, is now a striking gem designed by Iraqi born-British architect Zaha Hadid, who died shortly before its completion in 2016. It is topped by a large ship-like structure that floats above the building.

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In addition to its size and scale, the Port of Antwerp has one of the best examples of a successful ecumenical seafarer welfare center with chaplains from various organizations working collaboratively under one roof: Stella Maris (Roman Catholic), German Seamen’s Mission (Evangelical Church of Germany), Mission to Seafarers (Church of England), and, until recently, Sailors’ Society (Protestant/Free Church). Each organization had full-time chaplains based out of the Antwerp Seafarer Welfare Center. By working together, and by setting aside doctrinal differences for the greater good of serving seafarers, this center represents what is best about ICMA’s vision and mission.

As an organization, ICMA was founded to facilitate ecumenical partnerships among the many Christian organizations around the globe that are involved in maritime ministry and chaplaincy. At its first meeting, which was held in Rotterdam in 1969, over 100 delegates representing 52 organizations gathered to discuss both the changing face of maritime ministry and the need to work collaboratively. While now an international organization headquartered in London, ICMA’s founding and roots can be traced to the U.S. and to the body now known as NAMMA, or the North American Maritime Ministry Association. The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) was instrumental in calling together the many separate entities that ministered to seafarers in the United States and Canada, beginning in 1897 with an event hosted by SCI in lower Manhattan, which met again in 1910 and 1930. The National Association of Seamen’s Agencies became an official body in 1932. Several name changes later, this agency is now known as NAMMA.

Given SCI’s long association with NAMMA and ICMA, how does SCI both strengthen and benefit from these associations? For decades, SCI was the single largest seafarer welfare organization in North America and operated various SCI subsidiaries throughout the U.S. on behalf of the National Episcopal Church. Today, SCI remains North America’s largest and most comprehensive seafarer and mariner service agency offering vessel visits and counseling, crisis response, continuing maritime education and training, and advancing mariner advocacy and seafarer rights. We undertake this work to live out our mission of improving mariners’ lives and well-being 24/7/365. Our Center for Mariner Advocacy (formerly Seafarers’ Rights) provides the only pro-bono legal counsel for mariners and maritime chaplains, both in the U.S. and globally. As such, we offer legal support to NAMMA chaplains throughout North America and teach at the annual Introduction to Seafarer Welfare and Maritime Chaplaincy training program. With ICMA, SCI provides staffing and thought leadership for its delegations to the International Labour Organization and International Maritime Organization. SCI, in turn, benefits from the network of independent chaplains within North America and the larger associations around the world.

The meeting in Antwerp highlighted the powerful unity of the 27 maritime ministry organizations that comprise ICMA’s membership in addressing seafarer welfare. In this way, the partnership among agencies proves to be greater than the sum of its parts.The representatives in attendance examined and assessed ICMA’s efforts, which encompassed issues like crew changes, COVID vaccinations, shore leave, and chaplain training programs conducted in Houston, Manila, and Hamburg. The review also extended to the numerous gatherings of the ILO and IMO, as well as the recently established Joint ILO-IMO Tripartite Working Group dedicated to addressing seafarer concerns and the human factor. Over the decades, ICMA’s work has changed to contend with the most pressing issues and needs for seafarer welfare, whether it be seafarer shore leave in the aftermath of 9/11, maritime piracy off the coasts of Africa, abandonment of ships at sea and in port, stowaways, and more recently, the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Through all these changes, SCI has been an effective voice within ICMA, while simultaneously being more effective in our own work and mission because of our association with ICMA. Indeed, the whole is stronger than the sum of its parts.

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CME works with ARTCo to create an Extensive Video Training Library.

In the evolving maritime education landscape, adaptability and innovation are key to ensuring that mariners receive the highest quality training to navigate the complexities of their roles effectively. SCI’s Center for Maritime Education has risen to this challenge, taking a comprehensive step forward through a unique training-content partnership with American River Transportation Company, or ARTCo, a division of Archer-DanielsMidland Company.

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In mid-2023, CME e-Learning was entrusted with helping to build a substantial library of online learning courses for towboat crews. “The content of these video modules,” notes CME e-Learning Manager Jonathan Burson, “predominantly focuses on essential procedures and operations related to deck work. So, think basic activities such as operating specific winches, wire rope handling, deck rigging, and many other aspects critical to the maritime industry. This approach reinforces learning and ensures that deckhands and mates are well-prepared for the various challenges they may encounter when on duty.” When completed, the library will feature over 60 video courses.

Together with Mike Martin Media based in St. Louis, CME is creating a video library of basic towboat training modules for ARTCo. Here’s a collection of stills from the program on “Operating a Winch.”

CME’s collaboration with ARTCo exemplifies its ability to tailor educational content to meet the specific needs of its clients. ARTCo initially sought off-the-shelf learning solutions but discovered, after working with CME e-Learning that customized content was more in line with achieving their training goals. Says Burson, “We’re in a great position to best assist with the project. Our flexibility allows clients like ARTCo to inject company-specific policies and requirements into their training materials while ensuring that content aligns seamlessly with their objectives.” With over 11,000 mariners and 30 companies currently using the e-Learning database, carving out the time beyond operating CME’s learning management system (LMS) to create high-quality training is challenging. “Many only see the final 1- or 2-minute project,” explains Burson, “Few realize the amount of work that goes into creating it. It’s an involved process: scouting scenes, script writing, getting the video, editing, and aftereffects.” With the significant scope of this project, Burson and CME recruited industry-experienced Mike Martin Media out of St. Louis to handle the video creation. “And they’ve been outstanding in helping us build this out for ARTCo,” continued Burson. This project is divided into three phases and is looking to wrap by the end of 2023.

Creating video training is not new to CME. It has already developed its own online content—the Rules of the Road training modules released last year. So, now, venturing into partnerships with maritime operators to create customized online training seems like a natural step forward. “Working closely with ARTCo, we recognized their serious commitment to safety in their culture,” said Burson. “And that’s very much aligned with what we do and have already done.” Beyond content, CME offers the capacity to also set up accounts, create a curriculum based on the client’s training matrix, and ensure a seamless integration into the organization’s existing online infrastructure. Additionally, CME provides off-the-shelf course content for clients with their own LMS that can be readily integrated and tailored to meet specific company needs.

CME’s unwavering focus is on ensuring mariner safety, which entails collaborating with clients to provide the most efficient and optimal means of imparting up-to-date training and industry best practices. Initiatives like the partnership between CME and ARTCo exemplify our dedication to realizing this objective, as we actively fulfill our mission through personalized, cooperative efforts. Recognizing that companies clearly understand their training requirements, CME, as their trusted partner, is committed to delivering tailor-made training solutions that precisely meet those needs.

For more information on custom video content for mariner training, email Jonathan Burson—Manager, E-Learning at CME

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At 9:04 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5, those title words above rang out on the 12th deck of the M/V Grande Costa d’Avorio, while berthed near the Seamen’s Church Institute’s International Seafarers’ Center at Port Newark. The 28 crewmembers from the Philippines, Italy, and Romania, immediately went to their muster stations, where they began fire suppression efforts.

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There are five types of alarms on a commercial ship, whether it’s a cruise ship, container ship, bulk carrier, roll-on roll-off (commonly called a car ship), tanker, or any combination. Every seafarer is alert to the sound of one of these alarms: general emergency, fire, man overboard, abandon ship, and CO2. Three of these alarms sounded on the Grande within eleven hours. The ship was a combination car and container ship. The fire was on one of the decks with cars loaded for transport to Africa. The crew used fire extinguishers and onboard fire hoses to fight the fire. However, the fire’s spread eventually exceeded those tools, at which time hatches to the various compartments were closed and dogged so carbon dioxide could be used. But that effort, too, was unsuccessful.

By 6:40 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, it was no longer safe for the crew to remain on the ship, so the abandon ship alarm sounded; the crew returned to their muster stations, and the captain verbally ordered “abandon ship.” The seafarers left the ship with little more than the clothes they were wearing, and for many crewmembers, that meant the greasy overalls worn when they were on duty. They were headed to safety, but as the fire was on at least three decks that included their accommodations (where the crew lived), they all knew they had lost all of their possessions.

The Seamen’s Church Institute was alerted by the Port Authority and responded to the emergency. The crew had been taken to a nearby Port Authority building, where Chaplains James Kollin and Michelle McWilliams arrived early that morning. Stress counseling was the immediate need. The feeling of loss was overwhelming. They had no idea what was to happen to them. Their official work documents, photographs, clothes, computers, and any cash they’d been paid (seafarers often have most of their pay sent home, but the balance is paid in US $100 bills), were gone. Fourteen had visas, but the other fourteen did not.

Their worries were palpable. What would happen to them? Would they be blamed for the fire? Was there a deficiency in how they fought the fire? How would an investigation be conducted? Who would have to remain at Port Newark? Would they be paid for the balance of their contracted service with Garibaldi Shipping? How would they get home? On top of these questions, the death of two firefighters weighed heavily on all of them. Uncertainty and guilt are powerful emotions. The ship’s Chief Mate, from Romania, seemed to be having a very difficult time. He was responsible for the safe operation of the ship. James counseled him as best he could in such a situation, reassuring him that the crew was safe, no one was injured, and the ship was still afloat. James asked if he had talked with his family. Yes, the mate said, they were greatly relieved for the crew and mourned the firefighters. Even if James and Michelle didn’t have answers, having chaplains there to talk with the seafarers lowered the crews’ stress level. And talking was certainly the best medicine for the Chief Mate.

After the ship’s agent arrived with one shirt and pair of pants for each crewmember, James and Michelle took the dirty work clothes to SCI to be washed. It was much appreciated. The agent also arranged for the crew to be housed at the nearby Doubletree Hotel. But the crew needed additional clothes, toiletries, and other essentials. SCI could assist with that.

At the direction of SCI President and Executive Director, the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt, ISC Director Tim Wong utilized the “Seafarers’ SOS Fund”—created during the pandemic to assist seafarers in times of emergency—to purchase most of the things requested by the crew such as shirts, flip-flops, shorts, toiletries, and more. These items were delivered on the following Tuesday, and they had a bit of a celebration when Tim and James made the delivery at their hotel.

Crewmembers not needed for the Coast Guard investigation would eventually fly home to await the next ship assignment. Those whose presence was needed stayed at the hotel, and SCI remained engaged with them throughout.

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SCI Chaplains regularly interact with mariners in the inland marine industry. Through these interactions, it became clear that mariner wellness was an issue impacting many of these mariners. In order to help address this issue, SCI hosted a roundtable in Paducah, KY in July of 2021. Over twenty people attended, representing a broad cross-section of the inland marine industry, medical professionals, and government regulators.

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Those in attendance heard from researchers about studies highlighting the importance and complexity of the mariner wellness issue. Many of the company representatives in the room discussed various initiatives they had attempted in order to help address mariners’ physical wellness concerns. These included prepared menus that ensured calories were appropriate and the meals nutritious, purchase of exercise equipment, financial incentives based on healthier lifestyle choices, etc. While some of the programs had some marginal benefits, for the most part, the representatives did not feel that the initiatives had significantly improved mariner wellness.

At the conclusion of the one day meeting, the group decided the issues surrounding mariner wellness warranted additional work and decided to create a steering committee to look at ways to better address them.

I was asked to help facilitate the establishment of the steering committee and its work going forward. I reached out to several leaders in the industry and ultimately identified three individuals passionate about the mariner wellness issue who were willing to serve on the steering committee. I also reached out to a medical professional who was very familiar with the inland marine industry. The steering committee was established with these four individuals.

The committee has been meeting regularly, usually once a month, for over a year now and have identified several areas of concern regarding mariner wellness. The consensus agrees that there are a wide range of both physical and mental wellness issues that are worthy of additional efforts. The group also discussed how poor mental health likely contributed to poor physical health and that the reciprocal was likely true, too. Recognizing that they could not simultaneously attempt to address all the identified challenges, the committee needed to hone in on the best place to focus their immediate attention.

After some deliberation, the steering committee decided to focus their initial efforts on mental health issues. They came to this decision due to the fact the past efforts had been focused primarily on physical wellness; as such, they decided to focus on an area that had not had much attention in the past.

Some early discussions focused around the Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and the mental health care that these programs provided. The representatives noted that what the various EAP programs offered in the way of mental health care varied based on both quality of care and responsiveness of the care. The group would like to identify those EAPs that are best positioned to help mariners address mental health concerns. In the interim, the group recommends companies review what services their EAPs are providing, and if they are not satisfied, look to replace their EAP with one that will better meet their mariners’ needs.

Ultimately, the group designated four areas of concern regarding mental health that needed their initial attention: 1) Improved mental health screening tools to better identify mariners in need of assistance; 2) Better guidance to Inland Marine HR professionals on how to manage mental health concerns with their mariners; 3) Work to address licensing challenges for mental healthcare professionals that serve mariners; 4) Guidance on how best to manage the “return to work” process after a mariner has recovered from a mental health crisis.

The steering group is establishing workgroups to more extensively address each of these four issues. The first work group is presently being established to work on improving mental health screening tools. If you are interested in participating in any of the four proposed work groups, please get in contact me at pschifflin@seamenschurch.org.

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At the IMO for the IMO/ILO “Work at Sea” Conference. Pictured (from left to right): the Rev. Paul Trathen, Mission to Seafarers; Dirk Obermann, Deutsche Seemannsmission; Phil Schifflin, Director, SCI Center for Mariner Advocacy; and Tim Hill, Stella Maris.

SCI’s Center for Mariner Advocacy Director Phil Schifflin recently attended the “Work at Sea” conference, which was jointly hosted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) at the IMO Headquarters building in London. The event was the first time in the history of the two organizations that they conducted a joint high-level conference with both the Secretary-General of the IMO, Mr. Kitack Lim, and the Director-General of the ILO, Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, jointly presiding. 

The conference focused on the “human element” in the maritime sector—sharing experiences and views on ensuring the rights of seafarers and fishers, and identifying gaps in the current regulatory framework to improve it going forward. There was universal agreement that it was time for a new “social contract” with seafarers and fishers to improve their well-being and job satisfaction. 

The importance of establishing a new “social contract” was highlighted as crucial to counteract the current trend of insufficient recruits entering the maritime career path at sea and the rising number of existing seafarers and fishers opting to leave the profession. The discussion also centered around the imminent and swift transformations expected in the career field, with vessels evolving toward increased autonomy, digitalization, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, there was a recognized necessity for a “just transition” as the maritime workforce is retrained to meet the demands of future vessel operations. The results of the one-day conference will help chart the course for both organizations as they attempt to address these critical issues.

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Photo: Mark Nestlehutt, TOTE’s Sara Rivas, Phil Schifflin, and Stephen Polk during a recent visit to the Philly Shipyard.

The Philly Shipyard stands out as one of North America’s most active shipyards, constructing four significant U.S. Jones Act vessels. Before last month’s journey to SCI’s 2023 Mountain Challenge event, a tour of the shipyard was arranged for Captain Stephen Polk (Director of SCI’s Center for Maritime Education–Houston), Phil Schifflin (Capt., USCG (ret.) & Director of SCI’s Center for Mariner Advocacy–New Orleans), and Mark Nestlehutt (SCI’s President & Executive Director–New York). Their visit provided a firsthand look at the new, purpose-built MARAD ships for the nation’s maritime academies and a new commercial offshore wind vessel.

TOTE, SCI’s corporate sponsor, was awarded the contract to oversee the construction of these vessels. With the assistance of Jeff Dixon, President of TOTE Services, the SCI team was warmly received by Sara Rivas, National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) Deputy Program Manager for TOTE. The tour extended over three hours, commencing with a look at the steel plates for NSMV4, Texas A&M Maritime’s future Lone Star State. That was followed by a visit to the dry dock where NSMV3 Maine Maritime’s State of Maine was taking shape. The team concluded their tour aboard NSMV2, the Patriot State, which was afloat and in the process of being outfitted, with an expected delivery to Mass Maritime in mid-2024. NSMV1, the Empire State, was previously delivered to SUNY Maritime earlier this year. Sara Rivas, a United States Merchant Marine Academy graduate, led the tour and provided a comprehensive overview of the shipyard and the NSMV program. Her deep pride in being part of these projects, along with that of TOTE, was clearly evident.

Following the construction of the Lone Star State, Philly Shipyard’s next project is a highly anticipated Subsea Rock Installation (SRI) vessel for the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, aimed at supporting the offshore wind installation industry. Subsequently, the shipyard will focus on NSMV5, Cal Maritime’s Golden State. 

These vessels represent the first purpose-built ships for America’s maritime academy fleet, designed to train future mariners and support humanitarian relief efforts in areas affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes. In 2021, at the invitation of SUNY Maritime’s President, RADM Michael Alfultis, SCI chaplains began staffing SUNY Maritime’s Summer Sea Term cruises, a role they continued in 2022 and 2023, most recently aboard Cal Maritime’s training ship, the Golden Bear. At the annual Silver Bell Awards Dinner in 2022, SCI paid tribute to all seven of America’s maritime colleges for the work they do in ensuring a well-trained and highly educated class of seafarers to crew our nation’s vessels.

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by SCI Chaplain Michelle McWilliams

The father, Feno, and son, Julien, didn’t share this information right away. After answering all their questions about going ashore, SAS, and sim cards, we got into discussing home—which was Madagascar for both crew members. They were so excited to talk about their home, their faces lighting up with each piece of information they shared. It was Julien’s first contract, and he felt very blessed to be sailing with his father. His father, in turn, was happy to share his sailing experience with his son. For both of them, it felt like they still had a little piece of home with them on the ship. 

Approximately two months later, the same vessel returned, and Julien’s smiling face greeted me again. He asked, “Do you remember me?” I often remember faces and conversations, and I certainly remembered his. He told me his father had hurt his knee and was now recovering at home. I inquired about how he was handling not having his father around, and he responded that it was lonelier, but he was being brave to make his father proud. Julien supports his wife and daughter back home, and now his father as well. He shared how, as a child, there were many aspects of his father’s career that he never understood. His father supported the family but was not around that much. 

Over the last two months, Julien had developed a deeper understanding of that responsibility. He had come to seafaring much later than his dad, choosing jobs that kept him closer to home because he wanted a different dynamic with his daughter than the one he had with his father growing up. It was losing his job that made him consider entering a career he once did not see as feasible. We discussed how hard it is to balance providing financial and emotional support for a child. Providing sometimes means not always being present. 

We also reflected on how being present now is quite different compared to when Julien was a child. Contracts are shorter, and communication is also much more advanced. He appreciated my perspective and thanked me for sharing how his experience could have differed from what his daughter might be experiencing. Even having such thoughts in mind would make for a different dynamic. I was careful not to minimize the feeling and pain of being away from your loved ones and what they feel while Julien is on the ship. As a Chaplain, I offered support and concern for his childhood experiences and for the father he is today. Being able to identify where some of the feelings and guilt stem from can help alleviate this particular burden of being a seafarer. As does acknowledging that, no matter how many miles apart they are, his love and care for his daughter are evident to all.

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Photo: Astronaut Dr. Kjell Lindgren (left) with Center for Maritime Education Director, Capt. Stephen Polk (right).

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