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Make Waves of Kindness

Volunteer drivers, lounge hosts, and chaplains are always needed. No experience required – just a heart to serve!

Get Involved

At the heart of our mission are the volunteers who offer warmth, conversation, and care to the thousands of seafarers who visit our shores each year. Whether you’re offering a listening ear, a helping hand, or simply a friendly smile, you’ll make a world of difference to someone far from home.

We Need You

We’re always looking for compassionate volunteers to join our crew in the following roles:

  • Driver – Transport seafarers safely and warmly to and from port and our centre.
  • Lounge Host – Share a cup of tea, help with Wi-Fi, or just chat with someone who’s been at sea for weeks.
  • Chaplains – Offer spiritual support and a steady presence for those who seek it.

No experience required — just a heart to serve!

  • Flexible 3-hour shifts (morning, afternoon, or evening).
  • Full training provided —  start with a quiet morning shift to learn the ropes! 
  • Meet people from around the world and join a dedicated team (some volunteers have served for 20+ years!). 

Perks List:

  • Monthly Shared Lunch on the first Sunday for fellowship and food. 
  • Free Port Induction Certificate (valid 2 years) and Access Card (driver’s license required). 

Ready to Join? 

Apply today and help create a “home away from home” for seafarers. 

Questions? Call us at  07 575 3841 

Beanie Hat Pattern for Seafarers

The United Seafarers’ Mission is dedicated to offering both practical support and emotional care to seafarers across the world.

Today, more than 1.9 million men and women work at sea, often spending months away from loved ones while facing demanding and sometimes dangerous conditions. Many come from warmer countries and feel the cold harshly when sailing through icy regions. A simple woollen beanie can provide comfort and warmth — a small yet meaningful gift to show that their sacrifices are recognised and appreciated.

Every handmade beanie carries a message of kindness. By knitting one, you’re not only helping a seafarer stay warm but also reminding them that someone cares. These hats are personal tokens of gratitude — a heartfelt “thank you” created by hand.

Free Beanie Pattern (4-ply Or Double Knit)

We invite you to use our complimentary knitting pattern to create a beanie that will bring real comfort to someone at sea. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just beginning, your contribution is valued and appreciated.

Instructions:

  1. Use double knitting wool (DK / No. 8) and needles.
  2. Cast on 99 stitches.
  3. Work K3, P3 across the row.
  4. On the next row, reverse the pattern: P3, K3 across.
  5. Continue this rib pattern for around 7–8 inches (30 cm).
  6. Begin decreasing: K1, K2 together, then P1, P2 together.
  7. Work in K2, P2 rib for another 1 inch (2.5 cm).
  8. Decrease again, knitting and purling 2 stitches together as above.
  9. Continue with a K1, P1 rib for 2.5 cm.
  10. Knit 2 together across the row.
  11. Thread wool through the remaining stitches and secure neatly.

Sending Your Beanies:

When your beanie is complete, you can post it to us. Our team will make sure your knitted gifts are passed directly to seafarers visiting our mission centre. Every beanie is warmly received, and your effort will be cherished by those who often endure long and lonely days at sea.

If you’d like an acknowledgment of your contribution, please include your name and/or return address, though this is not required.

Mailing Address:
United Seafarers’ Mission Tauranga
Oceania House Suite 1
127 Hull Road, Tauranga
PO Box 4278
Mount Maunganui 3149