Presented at ICMA East and South-East Asia Regional Meeting, The Mariners, Hong Kong, January 21, 2026.
Message by Rev’d Dave Hinay, Port Chaplain, The Mission to Seafarers Thailand
Good morning, friends and fellow servants in maritime ministry.
It is a joy and privilege to share with you today from the heart of Bangkok, where I have had the honor of serving as a port chaplain with The Mission to Seafarers. This year marks my tenth year in this ministry—a decade of walking alongside seafarers, facing challenges, and discovering blessings in unexpected places.
Our theme, “Overcoming Challenges: Lessons from Serving Seafarers in Bangkok,” is not just a topic—it is my lived reality. Every day in these ten years has brought hurdles, but also hope. Today, I want to share seven challenges that have shaped my ministry—and the lessons I have learned from them.
1. Entering the Port as a Foreigner
As a Filipino chaplain, my greatest challenge was simply entering the port. Most local Thai workers could not speak English, and as a foreigner, I had to earn trust in a culture that was not my own.
I chose to adapt eagerly—to understand the culture, to live among ordinary workers, and to learn how to connect with the right people. Slowly, doors opened. From Bangkok to Laemchabang, Kerry Siam Seaport, Kosichang, and Mataphut anchorages, our ship visitations expanded.
Lesson 1: Ministry begins with cultural humility. Trust is not given—it is earned through respect, patience, and presence.
2. Facing the Hardship of Anchorage Visits
One of the most demanding parts of my ministry was visiting ships anchored far from the port. These visits required courage and skill. I often traveled by speed boat, wooden boat, and even long-tail Thai boats—sometimes in rough seas. Boarding a ship from the water meant climbing gangways and monkey ladders, which is not for the faint of heart.
To do this safely, I underwent basic maritime training and earned my seaman’s book. I am proud to say that I am not only a chaplain—I am also a seaman who took the same training as the crews I serve. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of their world and built trust that words alone could never achieve.
Lesson 2: Ministry requires courage and preparation. When we share in the hardships of those we serve, we earn their respect and strengthen our witness.
3. Being Present in a Hidden World
Seafarers are often invisible to the world. Many ships dock far from the city center, and shore leave is rare. Even when seafarers are allowed off the ship, they are often exhausted, anxious, or unsure of where to go.
So we go to them. I remember one Filipino seafarer who had not spoken to his wife in weeks. They quarreled about money and family support. He asked me to talk to his wife. I listened, understood both sides, and offered counsel.
Lesson 3: Presence is powerful. Even when we cannot solve every problem, our willingness to show up speaks volumes.
4. Embracing Digital Ministry
In today’s world, seafarers are more connected than ever—and yet, many still feel isolated. Wi-Fi is a lifeline, but not always available or affordable. That is why we invested in portable Wi-Fi units, SIM cards, and digital resources.
During the pandemic, when physical visits were impossible, our WhatsApp and Facebook pages became sacred spaces. We held online prayer meetings, sent devotionals, and offered virtual counseling. I even created online groups for crews I met during visits. Many still reach out for help—whether it’s sending money home, topping up data, or requesting medicines.
Lesson 4: Digital ministry is real ministry. When we extend our presence online, we create lifelines of support that bridge the distance between ship and shore.
5. Providing Emotional and Spiritual Care
Many seafarers carry invisible burdens—family problems, financial stress, loneliness, and fear.
One of the most painful encounters was aboard the MV Mega Speed, a ship detained at anchorage. The crew had been abandoned—left without wages for months, unable to go ashore, and uncertain of their future. We shared food, prayed together, and mediated for their repatriation. In the end, they received their wages and returned home.
Another time, a young cadet from India confided that he was thinking of quitting. Months later, he messaged me: “Thank you for listening. You helped me find my strength again.”
And then there was the MV Kiribati Chief, where tragedy struck—a crew member died onboard. When I visited, I found a grieving crew, shaken and burdened by loss. We prayed, counseled, and reminded them that God’s presence was with them even in the storm.
Lesson 5: Listening is healing. Spiritual care brings peace. Ministry is not about fixing—it is about walking alongside, praying together, and offering hope in the midst of trauma.
6. Hospital and Home Visiting
Another challenge was visiting crews who were hospitalized due to accidents onboard or health problems. These visits were often emotional and required sensitivity. I also made home visits to families of seafarers in distress, offering prayer, counseling, and practical support.
One story stands out: Mark, a seafarer onboard MV Star Nina who was hospitalized for kidney surgery while his ship was anchored and preparing to sail. None of his crewmates could visit him, and even the agent could not retrieve his belongings from the ship. Mark was terrified before the operation. So I decided to stay with him at the hospital, praying and offering comfort. Just before the ship’s departure, I managed to get his personal belongings from onboard and bring them to him. After his recovery, I ensured his medical repatriation by personally accompanying him to the airport. That simple act gave him peace and reminded him he was not alone.
Lesson 6: Advocacy is part of ministry. Standing in the gap for seafarers—whether in hospitals, homes, or through negotiations—shows Christ’s love in action.
7. Fellowship Through Agape Meals
For the last two years, we have provided transport services for crews during shore leave. Many times, they ask if we can share a meal together or visit a local tourist spot.
These moments have become some of the most meaningful parts of ministry. Sitting around a table, listening to their stories, laughing together, and sharing food transforms strangers into friends. It is more than hospitality—it is what I call an agape meal, a fellowship rooted in love and care.
Lesson 7: Fellowship is ministry. When we break bread together, we create sacred spaces where seafarers feel seen, valued, and loved.
Looking Ahead: The Challenge of Sustainability
As I reflect on these ten years, I see a new challenge emerging—how do we make ship visiting sustainable for the next generation? How do we ensure that those who come after us will not face the same hurdles?
This requires more than goodwill; it calls for formal agreements with port authorities and stakeholders, so that ministry is not dependent on personal connections alone but built on lasting partnerships.
I invite all of us to think creatively and work together toward this vision—because the future of seafarer care depends on the foundations we lay today.
A Decade of Grace
From these challenges, I have learned that ministry is not about comfort—it is about commitment. It is about showing up, whether onshore or offshore, online or in person. Over these ten years, I have reported 161 welfare cases and visited an average of 500 ships yearly—each one a story of God’s grace at work.
As Philippians 4:13 reminds us: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Friends, the sea will always bring storms—but with faith, humility, and love, we can overcome every challenge—and build a ministry that lasts.
Thank you, and may God bless our ministry to seafarers everywhere.