Harboring Humanity Welcoming Seafarers to Our Shores
At the heart of the Newfoundland and Labrador Seafarers’ Centre is a commitment to care for the seafarers who arrive in our province’s ports from around the world.
Our Mission
To welcome and support seafarers visiting Newfoundland and Labrador by providing a safe, inclusive space where they can rest, connect with loved ones, and access practical support and pastoral care, no matter their faith, background, or time in port. We are part of the larger Mission to Seafarers Canada and the global Mission to Seafarers network, but our work is deeply rooted in the needs and communities of Newfoundland and Labrador’s ports.
Our Core Value
Hospitality, We provide a safe and welcoming space for all international seafarers visiting Newfoundland and pastoral care, no matter their faith, background, or time in port. We are part of the larger Mission to Seafarers Canada and the global Mission to Seafarers network, but our work is deeply rooted in the needs and communities of Newfoundland and Labrador’s ports.
Compassion—Our care addresses the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of seafarers living and working at sea.
Respect—We honor each seafarer’s identity, culture, and faith, ensuring every visitor feels seen and valued. Community Partnership—We collaborate with local port authorities, maritime agencies, and volunteers to strengthen our outreach and impact. Integrity, We uphold transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions. Faith in
Action—Guided by Christian values, we offer non-denominational pastoral care while respecting the diverse beliefs of those we serve.
Our Vision
To be a trusted haven of welcome and care for seafarers in Newfoundland and Labrador, where every mariner is honored, supported, and connected to the global maritime community.
Equity Statement
The Newfoundland and Labrador Seafarers’ Centre is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable environment for all seafarers who come through our doors. We acknowledge the diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences of those we serve and strive to eliminate barriers to access and support. Whether a seafarer seeks rest, connection, or care, they will find a space where they are welcomed without judgment and treated with equal dignity.
History
Timeline layout of MTS Newfoundland, MTS Canada, and MTS International
Late 19th Century – Early Maritime Ministries in Newfoundland and Labrador
During this period, seafarers visiting Newfoundland and Labrador received pastoral care from various religious organizations. For example, the Moravian Church established mission stations along the Labrador coast, providing spiritual guidance and support to local communities and visiting seafarers.
1892 – Grenfell Mission Founded British medical missionary Sir Wilfred Grenfell founded the Grenfell Mission in 1892, initially as a branch of The Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. The mission provided medical and social services to fishermen and coastal communities in northern Newfoundland and Labrador.
Early to Mid-20th Century: Seafarers’ Welfare in St. John’s During this period, various organizations provided support to seafarers in St. John’s. The King George V Seamen’s Institute on Water Street served as a hub for seafarers, offering accommodation, recreational facilities, and spiritual services. Both Catholic and Anglican charities were active in ministering to the needs of seafarers visiting the port.
2021–2025: Renewed Focus on Seafarers’ Welfare in Newfoundland and Labrador Beginning in the early 2020s, renewed efforts emerged to reestablish formal welfare services for seafarers in Newfoundland and Labrador. A pivotal moment came in September 2023, when the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University hosted a seminar that brought together stakeholders from across the province and country. This led to the formation of a Port Welfare Committee in St. John’s to coordinate and advocate for improved services. Building on this momentum, a master’s thesis completed in 2024 at Memorial University assessed the needs of seafarers in the region, confirming the urgent demand for a reliable, safe, and sustainable welfare facility. As of 2025, work is actively underway to formally establish The Mission to Seafarers Newfoundland and Labrador. The initiative aims to deliver services such as ship visits, drop-in centres, and emergency support in Newfoundland, continuing the long tradition of caring for the world’s seafarers in this province.
Meet the Team
Morgane Sheppard
Station Manager
Morgane is dedicated to supporting seafarers and ensuring their time in Newfoundland and Labrador is as welcoming and comfortable as possible. As Station Manager of the Seafarers Centre, she works daily to provide visiting seafarers with access to essential services, resources, and support. She holds a Master’s degree in Maritime Studies with a focus on safety and the human element, and brings both academic knowledge and practical experience in maritime safety, health, and welfare. Fluent in English and French, Morgane values building strong relationships with maritime organizations, local partners, and seafarers. Her previous experience includes internships and project work with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), where she developed skills in safety training, community outreach, and international maritime policy. Morgane also serves as a volunteer with the Port Welfare Committee and is committed to creating a supportive, inclusive space where seafarers can relax, connect, and feel at home while in port.
Captain Christopher Hearn
Director, Centre for Marine Simulation, Marine Institute of Memorial University
Member of the Nautical Institute (MNI), Captain Christopher Hearn began his career after graduating from the Marine Institute’s Nautical Science Program in 1994. He quickly moved his way through the marine ranks and certification to Master Mariner and obtained command of several types of vessels in the deep sea and subsea sectors.
First coming ashore as a Marine Superintendent with shipping companies engaged in subsea cable laying and repair, seismic work, and general cargo operations, he was involved supporting at sea operations and managing relationships with flag state authorities, class, insurers and clients. Additional activities including working with Human Resources identifying training needs and methods for improving competency among crews.
Captain Hearn returned to the Marine Institute in 2008 as the Director of the Centre for Marine Simulation. The Centre is the largest and most comprehensive marine simulation facility in North America and covers an entire range of training, industrial assistance, and research and development capabilities through the use of simulation technology. CMS’s particular areas of expertise include the modeling and simulation of harsh maritime environments, human performance in moving environments, simulation of offshore oil and gas operations, and port design evaluation and maritime operational risk analysis. Captain Hearn has maintained an active role in the advancement of the maritime industry. Assisting government agencies with development of competency strategies for on ship operations in Polar regions. Participation and contribution to industry and governmental working groups focusing on adapting new technologies into maritime training. Captain Hearn is a member of several marine industry boards and associations of the Regional Coast Guard Advisory Board, former national president of the Master Mariners of Canada.
REV. JUDITH ALLTREE
Rev. Judith Alltree’s life and careers have all involved working with people from different countries and cultures: from her first career in the travel industry, to the music industry, and finally to Mission ministry and service. After 9 years in parish ministry, Judith joined the Mission to Seafarers in 2012 as Executive Director for MtS Toronto, which amalgamated in January, 2014 with the Mission to Seafarers Hamilton to become the Mission to Seafarers Southern Ontario (MTSSO). In June, 2017, Oshawa was added to this group, and in 2021 Port Colborne became the latest port to be served by MTSSO. She retired as ED in December, 2021, but joined the MTSSO Board of Directors a year later, now serving as Vice-President.
In 2019 Rev. Alltree was appointed Regional Director for Mission to Seafarers Canada, serving the 10 port cities and 12 MtS stations in Canada from Vancouver to Halifax, working to support the region especially through the COVID crisis and lockdowns of 2020-2022. During that time the Canadian National Seafarers Welfare Board was formed, and Rev. Alltree served as the MtSC representative from 2020-2025. She is also the chair of the “Humble Servant Award” Working Group, which honours the life and service of Elisabeth Bertrand, the late-founder of the CNSWB.
One of her biggest projects was to investigate the possibility of opening a Mission centre in the Port of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. As a result of a meeting on September 26, 2023 for the “Mobilization of community supports for a St. John’s Seafarer Welfare Centre” Rev. Alltree founded a Port Welfare Committee with 32 of the attendees of that event. Shortly thereafter, a Port Welfare Executive was elected, led by Captain Chris Hearn of the Marine Institute. We anticipate having active MtS centres in the province in 2025.
Rev. Alltree continues to support the PWC as ex-officio and mentor, having retired as Regional Director of the Mission to Seafarers Canada at the end of March, 2025.
She is Chaplain to the Marine Club (2017-present) board of directors, and continues to support the work of the Mission to Seafarers as a volunteer ship visitor and Port Chaplain for the entire Port of Toronto. In 2024, Rev. Alltree received the North American Maritime Ministry Association Distinguished Service award.
Port Welfare Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Port Welfare Committee for Newfoundland and Labrador is a committed group of local champions
from the maritime, labour, stakeholder and community sectors who have come together with a shared
purpose: to ensure the wellbeing of seafarers visiting our province. Their guidance, advocacy, and
unwavering support have been instrumental in the growth and sustainability of the Mission to Seafarers
NL and its upcoming Seafarers’ Centre.
