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MARINERS DEPEND ON SCI.
SCI DEPENDS ON YOU.
| | SCI Supervisory Chaplain, the Rev. Grace Pardun, and SCI Chaplain, the Rev. Geoff Davis, visit with a mariner in Channelview, Texas. | | |
IN THIS ISSUE – July 2026
- SCI to Attend 2026 NAMMA Conference
- Philip C. Schifflin Jr. Esq. to Lead Wellness Panel at AWO Meeting
- Mark Nestlehutt Featured on Inland Marine Insights Podcast at IMX2026
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Featured in The Waterways Journal, "SCI Introduces New Simulator Models"
- CME Conducts Simulator Study for NextDecade's Rio Grande LNG Project
- SCI to Welcome a New Maritime Chaplain in St. Louis
- New Chaplain Associate in Jacksonville, Florida
- SCI Chaplain Geoff Davis Commissioned as U.S. Navy Reserve Chaplain
- SCI International Day of the Seafarer Interfaith Service
- From the Archives—Before the World Cup: Seafarer Soccer at Port Newark
| | THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS | | SCI to Attend 2026 NAMMA Conference | | |
SCI is looking forward to participating in the 2026 North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) Annual Conference, taking place August 4–6 in Philadelphia. Centered on this year's theme, "Windows to the World," the conference will feature President and Executive Director, the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt, and Center for Mariner Advocacy Director Philip C Schifflin, Jr. Esq., both scheduled to serve as speakers or panelists.
"This conference is a valuable opportunity for SCI to engage with other North American seafarer welfare organizations," said the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt. "Caring for seafarers is a global effort, and by attending conferences like this, we stay current on the latest legal and operational developments, strengthen relationships with international partners, and learn from colleagues who are addressing many of the same challenges and opportunities in ports around the world."
Joining them will be members of SCI's Port Newark team, including Matt Morse, Director of the International Seafarers' Center, and Chaplains the Rev. James Kollin, the Rev. Dr. Bill Allport, and Michelle McWilliams, alongside other SCI colleagues from our New York office.
| | Philip C. Schifflin, Jr. Esq. to Lead Wellness Panel at AWO Meeting | | |
The American Waterways Operators (AWO) Summer Safety Meeting—happening July 21 and 22—brings together leaders from the tugboat, towboat, barge, and broader maritime industries to examine the evolving challenges and opportunities surrounding safety. The meeting provides a forum for industry collaboration, discussion of emerging safety issues, and updates on AWO's ongoing safety initiatives and programs.
As part of this year's program, Phil Schifflin, Esq., Director of SCI's Center for Mariner Advocacy, will lead a session highlighting the findings of SCI's 2026 U.S. Inland Mariner Wellness Assessment. He will also introduce SCI's forthcoming companion report, Partnering to Advance Inland Mariner Wellness, which explores both the industry's current efforts to support mariner well-being and new opportunities for collaboration among maritime organizations, researchers, and industry partners to further improve the health and wellness of inland mariners.
| | Mark Nestlehutt Featured on Inland Marine Insights Podcast at IMX2026 | | |
During IMX 2026 in Nashville, SCI President and Executive Director the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt, joined Dr. Patrick Howell, CEO of HealthWorks Medical in Paducah, for an episode of the Inland Marine Insights Podcast. In the 20-minute conversation, the Rev. Nestlehutt reflects on his journey to the Seamen's Church Institute, explores SCI's long history of serving the inland maritime industry, and discusses the organization's ongoing efforts to advance mariners' health and well-being.
While attending IMX 2026, the Rev. Nestlehutt also participated in a panel discussion that highlighted findings from the U.S. Inland Mariner Wellness Assessment, reinforcing SCI's commitment to improving mariner wellness through research, advocacy, and industry collaboration.
| | Featured in The Waterways Journal, "SCI Introduces New Simulator Models" | Above: Capt. Stephen Douglas, Instructor at CME-Paducah. | SCI's Center for Maritime Education was recently featured in The Waterways Journal for its introduction of new high-fidelity towboat simulator models. The article highlights how these custom-built models, developed in partnership with CT Marine, will provide more realistic training experiences while supporting mariner education, vessel validation, and safer waterway operations. | CME Conducts Simulator Study for NextDecade's Rio Grande LNG Project | | |
CME recently completed a simulator-based feasibility study for NextDecade for the Rio Grande LNG project in Brownsville, Texas, helping pilots prepare for future LNG vessel movements once the planned LNG facility and turning basin are constructed.
Because the turning basin is still under construction, the simulation allowed pilots to evaluate the planned maneuvering environment before real-world operations begin.
The study focused on familiarization, risk reduction, and operational readiness for a vessel size that is not typically brought into the area. Through simulation, pilots were able to review the planned maneuver, assess key operational considerations, and build confidence ahead of future activity.
This type of work is a strong example of how CME supports maritime stakeholders through feasibility studies, vessel modeling, pilot familiarization, and operational planning. By simulating future infrastructure before it is complete, CME helps bridge the gap between project design and safe, practical execution on the water.
We appreciate the opportunity to support this important preparation work and contribute to safer, more informed maritime operations.
| For more updates from the Center for Maritime Education, follow us on LinkedIn. | | SCI to Welcome a New Maritime Chaplain in St. Louis | | |
SCI’s Ministry on the River is pleased to announce that the Rev. Charles Uhlik will join the organization as Chaplain serving the Upper Mississippi River region, based in St. Louis. Beginning September 30, he will expand SCI’s chaplaincy presence along the inland waterways, providing dedicated pastoral care and support to mariners from St. Louis northward along the Upper Mississippi River. His appointment represents an important step in SCI’s long-term commitment to enhancing its Ministry on the River program, made possible through the generous support of donors and industry partners who contributed to the Ministry on the River Campaign.
The Rev. Uhlik will join a growing Ministry on the River team that includes the Rev. Nancy Simpson in Houston, serving the Gulf Coast and Houston Ship Channel; the Rev. Geoff Davis in New Orleans, serving the Lower Mississippi and Gulf Coast; and the Rev. Grace Pardun in Paducah, Supervisory Chaplain for the Upper Mississippi and Ohio River regions.
A lifelong servant leader, the Rev. Uhlik currently serves as Rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Paducah, Kentucky. His background includes service as a chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserve, years of parish ministry in the Episcopal Church, and nearly a decade as an SCI Chaplain Associate, a role he has held since 2016. Beyond his pastoral work, he has demonstrated leadership through service on diocesan committees and trustee bodies within the Diocese of Kentucky and has remained deeply engaged in his community through organizations such as the Paducah Warming Center, the Race Unity Organization, and local ecumenical clergy initiatives.
“I am thrilled that the Rev. Charles Uhlik has accepted the call to serve as our Chaplain for the Upper Mississippi River,” said the Rev. Grace Pardun, Supervisory Chaplain for SCI’s Ministry on the River. “He has been a Chaplain Associate with SCI for many years, knows the industry well, and has been a gracious and collaborative colleague. He will be a wonderful addition to our chaplain team, and I am excited to witness the many ways he will contribute to the well-being of mariners.”
| | New Chaplain Associate in Jacksonville, Florida | | SCI Chaplain Associate Josh Burns (left) and SCI Chaplain the Rev. Geoff Davis (right) visit with a mariner at American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL). | | |
SCI recently welcomed its first Chaplain Associate serving the Port of Jacksonville, Florida, an important milestone in expanding the organization's Chaplain Associate network. Pictured during training in New Orleans, Chaplain Associate Josh Burns (left) joins SCI Chaplain the Rev. Geoff Davis (right) as they visit with a mariner at American Commercial Barge Line.
Expanding SCI's network of chaplains and chaplain associates is a key strategic priority, ensuring pastoral care and practical support are available wherever mariners and seafarers live and work. Jacksonville is a natural location for this growth. As one of the nation's premier maritime gateways, it is home to one of America's busiest container ports and leading vehicle-processing centers, making it an important hub for SCI's chaplaincy.
| | SCI Chaplain Geoff Davis Commissioned as U.S. Navy Reserve Chaplain | | |
Sunday, June 21, SCI Chaplain, the Rev. Geoffrey Davis, was commissioned as a Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) Chaplain in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Before his commissioning, Davis served in the Navy Chaplain Candidate Program while completing the requirements to become a fully-qualified chaplain.
As part of the commissioning process and oath of office, he signed a service agreement with the Navy and will soon be assigned to a unit where he will begin drilling and training in this new phase of military service.
Reflecting on the milestone, Davis said, “I am honored and excited to serve U.S. Navy Sailors and U.S. Marines in this role.”
The accompanying photo shows Geoff and his wife, Lisa Davis, at the commissioning ceremony held at their local church.
Please join us in congratulating Geoff on this wonderful achievement and exciting new chapter of service.
| | SCI Hosts International Day of the Seafarer Interfaith Service | | |
The International Seafarers' Center (ISC) hosted its second annual ecumenical Day of the Seafarer service on June 25, bringing together maritime leaders, faith communities, and seafarers in port to honor and celebrate the vital contributions of the world's seafarers.
The well-attended service, led by SCI Chaplain the Rev. James Kollin, welcomed representatives from across the maritime community, including Stephen Lyman of the Maritime Association of New York and New Jersey, Ricky Esopa of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), and Kate Hunt, Executive Director of United Seamen's Service. SCI’s full-time Chaplains, volunteer Chaplain Associates, and congregants from St. Luke & All Saints Union Church also joined the gathering, alongside international seafarers whose vessels were in port and who were able to join the occasion.
Observed annually around the world, the International Maritime Organization's Day of the Seafarer recognizes the essential role mariners play in global commerce and daily life. The ecumenical service provided an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and fellowship while highlighting the challenges and sacrifices faced by those who spend months at sea far from home and family.
In his remarks, ISC Director Matt Morse emphasized the importance of making seafarers and their experiences visible to the broader community.
“The act of worship is the taking of something invisible and making it visible,” Morse said. “Every day we do our best to make visible the lives, dignity, and humanity of international seafarers the world over.”
Following the service, the ISC hosted a community lunch that further strengthened connections among attendees. Guests enjoyed authentic Filipino pancit, a traditional noodle dish prepared with meat and vegetables, reflecting the cultural heritage of many seafarers serving aboard ships around the world.
The gathering underscored the ISC's continuing mission to support, serve, and advocate for international seafarers while fostering understanding and appreciation within the port community.
| | Before the World Cup: Seafarer Soccer at Port Newark | | |
After the FIFA World Cup Final in New Jersey this past weekend, it is only fitting to remember that soccer has long been part of SCI’s history of serving seafarers.
Beginning in the 1890s, crews arriving aboard ocean liners regularly played soccer matches against local clubs. Shipping companies encouraged the sport, and some even recruited skilled players as crew members. Over time, soccer became an important source of recreation, camaraderie, and connection for seafarers in the Port of New York.
By the mid-20th century, SCI and other seafarer welfare organizations were helping organize international soccer competitions for visiting crews. When ships began calling more frequently at Port Newark, SCI representatives found that seafarers had “virtually no facilities where they could spend their off-duty hours” (The Lookout, October 1960). Crews eagerly welcomed opportunities to compete against one another, but finding a field often meant chartering buses and traveling as far as Brooklyn.
That need helped inspire SCI’s Port Newark Station and Sports Field (now known as the International Seafarers' Center). In 1960, SCI leased more than two acres from the Port of New York Authority for an athletic field and recreation building, bringing fellowship, recreation, and pastoral care directly to the waterfront. The new facility reflected SCI’s commitment to “go out to the merchant seamen wherever they dock instead of waiting for them to come to us” (The Lookout, October 1960).
After SCI established its Port Newark presence in 1961, the field hosted soccer matches and annual international sports weeks, bringing together crews from around the world. More than a game, soccer became a shared language that built friendships, strengthened morale, and created a sense of community for seafarers far from home.
There is another connection to this year's World Cup that many fans may not realize. MetLife Stadium, where the Final was played, sits in the Meadowlands—part of the same Hackensack Meadowlands tidal marsh system as SCI's International Seafarers' Center. Just ten miles downstream, winding through the Hackensack River's spartina and phragmites salt marshes, the water reaches the reclaimed shoreline beneath Export and Calcutta Streets, where SCI has welcomed seafarers for generations.
So, as fans gathered nearby for the World Cup Final on July 19, they celebrated a global sport with deep roots along the waterfront—one that has been woven into the history of SCI's International Seafarers' Center for generations.
Click here to view more photos from the SCI archives.
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