A Safe Haven, A Shore Refuge

The newly opened ecumenical Seafarers Centre is situated within the Tilbury Docks and close to the main entrance in Tenants Row. The new Centre replaces the Flying Angel Club which has now closed.

The Centre is open and manned 7 days a week from 0800 until 2300.

The Tilbury Seafarers Centre is owned and managed by Centres for Seafarers, an ecumenical collaboration of the three largest Christian Maritime Mission Societies.

The Centre is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from the local port and shipping communities and Christian organisations within the London area.

The three Chaplains, representing Apostleship of the Sea, The Sailors' Society and The Mission to Seafarers are based in the Centre.

The Chaplains cover a large area within the Port of London and Medway Ports so spend most of their time away from the Centre. Staff at the Centre can always make contact with the Chaplains in the event of a particular need either by individuals or ships. Representatives of other welfare organisations such as the Deutsche Seemannsmission can also be contacted through Centre staff.

The Centre has six fast Internet stations and maybe used for a small fee and also has 10 telephone booths to allow private communications with home. (see also Facilities). The Centre provides a quiet haven away from the noise and bustle of normal shipboard life.

Pool, Table Tennis, a bar serving alcohol and soft drinks, television and even karaoke are all available every day. The bar opens for alcohol at 11:00.

Come in for a chat, meet other seafarers, relax, have a coffee.

The Centre is Christian based and visiting seafarers may wish to use the Chapel for quiet prayer. The three Chaplains fulfil a duty roster to ensure that there is always one Chaplain on duty (see Chaplaincy Team).

Arrangements can be made for seafarers of other faiths to visit their places of worship in the Tilbury area.