Seafarer Services
The Houston International Seafarers Center is a ‘home away from home’ for seafarers visiting the Port of Houston by meeting their spiritual, social and physical needs through support, assistance and fellowship. We visit ships 7 a days a week, 365 days a year. We are a secure resource for transportation, various communication service tools, building relationships and providing a safe harbor for all seafarers.
Ship Visitation
Port Chaplains and special ship-visiting volunteers call on the ships in port daily. Approximately 50 miles of dock areas (25 miles on each side of the Ship Channel) are visited regularly. This includes over 200 shipping terminals where one or more docks are located
Port Chaplains are supported by their respective denominations on either a full-time or part-time basis. Volunteer ship visitors have received extensive training from the Port Chaplains, the NAMMA International Chaplains school and several other local professional organizations on making effective ship visits.
When visiting aboard ships Chaplains and volunteers offer a friendly welcome, an invitation to visit the Center and spiritual or practical guidance and assistance to our visitors from around the world. Several chaplains speak other languages, and all are well trained in the cultural and religious diversity of the seafarers. Religious leaders of other faiths are also welcome to serve at the Seafarers’ Center, as there are many seafarers who are Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and other faiths.
Worship Services / Bible Program
A worship service is offered for those Seafarers that wish to participate. Worship servicess are provided in differene deominations aboard vessels or at the Center’s chapel, with prior arrangement.
Bibles and New Testaments, in over 40 languages, are provided to our seafarers, free of charge.
Prayer Requests
Prayer is a powerful source of strength, especially in times of difficulty and uncertainty. At the Houston International Seafarers Center, we believe in the transformative power of prayer to bring comfort, healing, and hope. We invite you to share your prayer request with us, knowing that our dedicated prayer ministry will come together in faith, lifting you up in prayer and standing with you in spirit. No matter the challenge, we are committed to supporting you, trusting that God’s love and grace will surround you and provide the strength you need. You are not alone—let us unite in prayer for you today.
Specialized Services
Amid the lingering challenges of loneliness and mental health issues, hardships at their homes, and job-related safety issues all weighing heavily on their minds; HISC’s mission of advocating for seafarers has been essential. Special medical services (vaccines), research of special requests, resources for hardships and specialized counseling is offered.
Overall, our mission is to care for the shipping industry’s most important asset, its people
Transportation – Tourist Destinations / Shopping
Transportation via van for up to 12 seafarers can be arranged either to and from the Seafarers Center or for shopping trips to places such as Walmart, BestBuy, Target, Nike, Ross, Apple Store, Baybrook Mall, NASA and many other places. Please call ahead to arrange your trip to the Center or to go shopping. Trips to the Seafarers Center are no cost. Voice +1 713-672-0511.
Communication
The top priority of most seafarers coming into port is to connect with their families and friends back in their home countries.
WiFi Hotspots
WiFi hotspots are available to be taken onboard vessels that request them. These are reasonably priced and provide unlimited data.
Internet Café
Free high-speed internet (+ 50Mbps) connections are available at our Seafarers’ Center.
SIM Cards
Current SIM Pricing for the card pictured is 3UK– $25 for 25 Gigabytes in the United Kingdom only and 12 Gigabytes in 71 other countries. That includes free talk and text.
On-site Amenities
Center Facilities
The Houston International Seafarers Center is a 'home away from home' for seafarers visiting the Port of Houston and offers a welcoming environment tailored to the needs of visiting seafarers. The center's interior is designed to provide comfort and support during time ashore. A bar with snacks and beverages is available, as well as table games, comfortable loung seating for both relaxation and socialization, free books and magazines. The Center also offers free Wi-Fi.
Chapel
The Rev. Rivers Patout III Chapel is located inside the Houston International Seafarers Center and open during our regular business hours. The Chapel is available for worship and/or reflection and open to people of various faith backgrounds or spiritual beliefs.
Commissary
A commissary store on-site offers essential goods, such as food, toiletries, and personal items, to support the well-being of sailors while they are away from home. Additional souvenirs and specialty items are also available. More information here.
Restaurant
The Seafarers Landing Restaurant is located inside the Houston International Seafarers Center and offers breakfast and lunch, operating from 6 AM to 2 PM, Monday through Friday. More information here.
