CHECKING ON
HEADS AND HEARTS
Whether you want to talk about life at sea, family, stress, or faith – our chaplain is here.
No agenda. No judgement. For seafarers of all ranks, nationalities and faiths.
meet our chaplain
Reverend Steve has served as Port Chaplain at Dampier and Port Walcott since 2022, caring for the men and women who pass through one of Australia’s busiest shipping regions.
Before entering ministry, Revd. Steve served as a Maritime Warfare Officer in the Royal Australian Navy for three years — an experience that gives him insight into life at sea and the unique pressures that come with it.
Revd. Steve is married with three children, and brings warmth, humour and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of every person he meets — regardless of background, nationality or faith.
He holds a Bachelor of Theology, and training in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), SafeTalk suicide alertness, and Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) — equipping him to care for seafarers through both the everyday and the deeply difficult.
He brings a genuine presence to every ship visit — walking alongside seafarers experiencing isolation, fatigue, family separation, grief, stress and the broader pressures that come with living and working at sea.
If you would like to arrange a ship visit, or simply want someone to talk to, Revd. Steve would love to hear from you.
PASTORAL CARE FOR SEAFARERS
Life at sea can be isolating. Long periods away from family, uncertainty,
and the pressures of shipboard life take their toll.
Our chaplain offers a listening ear whatever you are carrying.
WHAT WE OFFER
SHIP VISITS
Chaplain boards vessels berthed at Dampier and Port Walcott
CONVERSATION
Any topic is welcome – family, stress, faith, or life at sea
PRAYER & SPIRITUAL SUPPORT
Bible studies and services are available on request
FREE BIBLES
Available in multiple languages
CRITICAL INCIDENT SUPPORT
Debriefing and pastoral response for death, injury, accident or other stressful events
HOSPITAL VISITS
Visits for sick and injured crew
ADVOCACY
Connection with agencies that support and uphold seafarers’ rights in Australia
CONFIDENTIAL & NON-JUDGEMENTAL
Compassionate care and welfare referrals
“You don’t need to be religious to ask for a visit. If you just want someone to talk to – that’s okay.”
— Revd. Steve
for masters and agents
Masters and agents are welcome to request a chaplain visit at any time — no appointment necessary.
The chaplain boards vessels at berth across Dampier and Port Walcott, and can also visit crew admitted to hospital during a port call.
Contact us before or after berthing and we will make the arrangements.
All visits are free of charge and completely confidential.
port chaplaincy
Port chaplains are welfare workers based in ports around the world, providing pastoral and practical care to seafarers of all ranks, nationalities and beliefs. In more than 200 ports across 50 countries, seafarers can find a chaplain ready to listen. Where no MtS chaplain is present, other seafarer welfare agencies fill the gap.
In Australia, port chaplains work alongside maritime welfare organisations, port operators and port authorities to uphold the rights and wellbeing of those who work at sea. In a port full of operational conversations, the chaplain offers something different — a friendly face and someone who simply wants to know how you are doing.
“Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him”Psalm 34:8
Ready to get involved?
Whether you want to support our work, join a port tour or volunteer at the centre, we would love to hear from you.