From June 1–7, the Stella Maris Recreational Center in Kaszuby, Poland was filled with laughter, learning, and the shared spirit of seafarers’ welfare. Seventeen students from around the world—Germany, Finland, Denmark, the United States, the Philippines, Australia, the Netherlands and Poland—came together for a week of deepening knowledge, ecumenical connection, and joyful hospitality. It was a week that celebrated the serious work of maritime ministry, but never lost the heartwarming fun of being together.
The backdrop of Kaszuby was simply stunning. Nestled among forests and lakes, the Stella Maris center offered walking paths, kayaks, and the gentle welcome of the Polish countryside. Sunshine one day, a sudden downpour the next—no matter the weather, our spirits stayed high, buoyed by prayer, singing, and shared meals. Father Edward Pracz and his warm-hearted team extended hospitality that was nothing short of extraordinary: from abundant tables of delicious food and drink to their attentive care for every need, we felt part of a family from the moment we arrived.
Each day combined academic richness with practical insight. Dr. Jason Zuidema opened the course by reminding us why seafarers’ welfare matters. In the days that followed, we heard from inspiring professors and speakers: Dr. Viola Heutger guided us through maritime law and the Maritime Labour Convention, Prof. Dr. Max Johns offered a big-picture view of global shipping economics, and Prof. Helen Sampson shared the latest research on seafarer health. We also heard directly from voices in industry, union leadership, and port authorities—each helping us connect the global picture with our own local missions.
Our excursions to Gdynia and Gdansk added unforgettable experiences. In Gdynia, we visited the maritime university, learned the ropes in a planetarium lecture on seamanship, and toured the port by boat. At the Stella Maris center there, we met seafarers’ families, maritime students, and widows—a touching reminder of the human side of this ministry. Gdansk opened doors to the port authority and harbour master’s office, and also gave us time to enjoy the old city and pause in prayer at a chapel remembering seafarers lost at sea.
At the heart of this course is a simple but powerful goal: to prepare those who care for seafarers with the tools, insights, and connections they need to do their work well. Maritime ministries have undergone profound changes in recent years, and those involved in seafarers’ welfare must continually adapt to new realities. This course offers not only essential knowledge but also a framework for collaboration and inspiration. Designed as a hybrid model, the training begins with the Ship Welfare Visitor Course online, followed by a series of introductory video lessons available through maretraining.com. These sessions introduce key concepts at the student’s own pace, building a foundation for the in-person intensive. Once on-site in Poland, students dive deeper through lectures, discussions, and excursions that bring the theory to life. The course is generously supported by the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, the students’ own sending organizations, and the Stella Maris Center in Gdynia, who together made it possible to provide a rich and affordable learning experience in a truly international and ecumenical environment.
The course is meant to inspire and equip new and experienced chaplains, ship visitors, and volunteers. It brought together people at different stages of their journey but united by a common goal: to care for seafarers with professionalism and compassion. And just as we were encouraged to connect across maritime sectors in Poland—port authorities, unions, industry—we were also reminded to do the same when we return home.
The week ended with our “One Photo” presentations, a creative storytelling exercise that summed up our learning. But even more, it ended with full hearts and new friendships. It was a joyful reminder that maritime ministry, while often solitary, is also a shared calling—made stronger by community, music, food, and prayer.
Additional media: Check out videos from Gdansk, Gdynia and Kaszuby. We also had a chance to interview host Fr. Edward Pracz and also course instructor Dr Viola Heutger (DSM Amsterdam).