Port Security picks up seafarers directly from their ships and brings them to our centre. From here, you can:
Our Services
Supporting seafarers with everything from transport and communication to emotional care and spiritual support.
Need a Ride?
Exchange money and relax in our lounge
Take our free shuttle to the mall (10-minute drive)
Walk up Mount Maunganui (10-minute drive to Mt Mauao)
Request a Port Security drop-off to Rata Street to explore the Mount township
United Seafarers Mission – Our Services
The United Seafarers Mission (USM) provides welfare, practical support, and pastoral care to seafarers visiting the Port of Tauranga — New Zealand’s busiest port by ship visits and volume. Our services are delivered by a team of paid staff, Seafarers Welfare Officers (SWOs), and trained volunteers, operating under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) standards.
Papamoa Hills Regional Park: For those looking for an alternative to climbing Mount Maunganui, the Papamoa Hills offer a rewarding walk with panoramic views over the Bay of Plenty coastline and inland to the Kaimai Ranges. Trails wind through native bush and areas rich in Māori history, leading to a summit lookout that’s perfect for photos. The park is located a short drive from the Seafarers Centre at 127 Hull Road, so you’ll need to allow for travel time. Depending on driver availability, we may be able to use our second van to drop off and pick up visitors for this walk.
Basic Services
Free and essential amenities for your time ashore:
- Free Wife-services
- Charging Stations
- Money Exchange
- Sim Cards & Top-Up Assistant
Recreational Facilities
Relax, connect, and recharge in our lounge:
- Lounge with TV & games
- Table tennis & pool table
- Tea, coffee & light snacks
- Library with free books
Transport Options
We help you get around safely and easily:
- Free shuttle to local mall and shops
- Port pick-up and drop-off in coordination with Port Security
Pastoral & Welfare
“Someone to Listen”.
Our chaplains and Ship Welfare Officers (SWOs) offer confidential support with:
- Emotional wellbeing & loneliness
- Legal assistance (through SWOs)
- Emergency support or crisis help
- Religious or spiritual concerns
Ship Welfare Officers (SWOs)
Our Ship Welfare Officers visit ships in port to make sure crew are safe, supported, and have what they need while in Tauranga. They can help arrange medical care, answer questions about shore leave, provide local information, and connect seafarers with other support services. Most importantly, they offer a friendly welcome and someone to talk to — making sure every crew member knows they are valued and not alone.
Onboard Ship Visiting
- Seafarers Welfare Officers (SWOs) and trained volunteer ship visitors board vessels to meet crew, assess welfare needs, and provide information about available services.
- Support includes:
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- Welfare checks and listening ear
- Facilitating communication with families (SIM cards, Wi-Fi access)
- Delivery of care packages or essential items
- Information on shore leave, transport, and local services
Centre-Based Support
Our Seafarers’ Centre provides a safe, welcoming environment where crew can rest, connect with family, and access practical amenities:
- Comfortable lounge and refreshment facilities
- Free high-speed internet and computer access
- Foreign currency exchange at competitive rates
- Transport to local shops, churches, and recreation areas
- Assistance with personal purchases or arrangements while in port
Practical Welfare Assistance
- Help with medical, dental, or urgent personal appointments
- Provision of clothing, toiletries, and essentials in emergencies
- Liaison with ship agents, unions, and authorities when needed
- Crisis response, including support for injured or distressed crew
- Repatriation assistance in collaboration with relevant agencies
Pastoral and Emotional Care
- Chaplaincy services for all faiths and cultural backgrounds
- Confidential counselling and emotional support
- Arranging and conducting onboard or Centre-based religious services
- Commemorations or memorial services when needed
Volunteer Engagement & Training
- Recruitment and training of ship visitors to MLC standards
- Ongoing development and mentoring by experienced SWOs
- Opportunities for community members to contribute to seafarer welfare
Collaboration with Partner Missions
- Work in partnership with Stella Maris, Galilee Mission, Mission to Seafarers (MTS), and other International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) members
- Share operational resources and coordinate ship visiting to avoid duplication
- Maintain communication with port authorities, shipping agents, and Maritime NZ to ensure high welfare standards
Meet Our Chaplains
Trained chaplains are available on-call to offer support for seafarers, including:
- Hospital visits & appointments
- Personal issues (family, stress, health, finance)
- Contract, wage, or workplace concerns
- Anything affecting safety or peace of mind
All chaplaincy and welfare conversations are confidential. Any support provided is offered without obligation and without religious requirement.