Seamen’s Church Institute publishes domestic and international chaplaincy training resource
The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) has published At the Water’s Edge, a new case-study resource by the Rev. Dr. David W. Fleenor, made possible through a grant from the United Thank Offering (UTO) of The Episcopal Church. Drawing on the real-world experiences of SCI chaplains serving in ports, along America’s inland waterways, and across the Gulf Coast, the book prepares maritime chaplains for the unique realities of ministry among seafarers and inland mariners. Through practical case studies, it develops the judgment, compassion, and pastoral presence needed to care for the often unseen men and women whose work keeps the maritime industry moving.
Maritime chaplaincy is unlike most other ministries. Chaplains step into highly secure, fast-paced workplaces where they have no formal authority, limited time to build relationships, and only brief opportunities to earn trust. Whether boarding an oceangoing vessel in an international port or climbing aboard a towboat on an inland river, they must navigate different cultures, operational demands, ethical questions, and sometimes deeply personal conversations—all while offering a calm, measured, and compassionate presence.
Their work may range from helping mariners through illness, grief, loneliness, stress, and long separations from family, to simply stopping by to say hello and remind them they have not been forgotten. Whatever the circumstance, effective chaplaincy depends on the ability to build trust quickly and offer meaningful care in a world unfamiliar and mostly unseen to most people.
Preparing chaplains for this particular calling is a growing focus of SCI’s mission. As part of its current strategic plan, SCI is working to strengthen maritime chaplaincy, and At the Water’s Edge is an important part of that effort, providing practical case studies that help chaplains talk and think through the complex situations they are likely to encounter throughout their ministry.
Fleenor’s book was developed in partnership with SCI and made possible through a grant from the United Thank Offering (UTO) of The Episcopal Church for the project I Sea You: Equipping Chaplains to Support the Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Needs of Mariners Marginalized by Sea Blindness. The project began with a research study to identify the core knowledge, skills, and competencies needed for effective maritime chaplaincy. Building on that research, the second phase transformed those findings into a comprehensive training curriculum that became At the Water’s Edge.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, so do the challenges facing the people who work on the water. From global events that affect shipping to the everyday realities of life aboard vessels, maritime chaplains must be prepared to respond with wisdom, compassion, and sound judgment. At the Water’s Edge reflects SCI’s long-standing commitment to ensuring that seafarers and inland mariners continue to receive the thoughtful pastoral care that has been at the heart of our mission for nearly two centuries.
While there are no planned hardcopy editions for this book, it is offered for free and can be downloaded or read online on SCI’s website at seamenschurch.org/watersedge.