Suomen Merimieskirkko sr.

The Finish Seamen’s Mission (FSM) is a church connected charity, that works for seafarer’s welfare and for Finns living abroad. Our work in Finland is mainly seafarer’s welfare and its aim is to enhance seafarers well-being on board ships. We have 7 seafarers centers in finish ports: KemiTornio, Oulu, Kokkola, Rauma/Pori, Turku, Vuosaari and HaminaKotka. In our locations in Finland we have every year visitors from more than 30 countries. Total amount of volunteers in Finland is around 100. Our main target group is seafarers visiting our ports. Other big target groups are truck-drivers, port workers and officials. Our regular activities include ship visits in the ports named above and also in the ports nearby. During ship visits we seek to connect with the seafarers, and this leads to conversations and practical assistance. Other activities are transport to and from the vessels, as well as transport to the town and center of the city. Our centers provide a place for seafarers to relax and chat with other visitors. The centers have a small shop and the visitors can buy prepaid phone cards and snacks. The center is a living room where seafarers can connect home, have a conversation with the port chaplain or volunteers, or just relax and do nothing. The seafarers often spend months on board and have no possibility to come ashore. Our centers offer them a change to their daily life on board and a chance to refresh.