Imagine yourself on a ship in the North Sea, somewhere between Aberdeen and Bergen. You’re caught up in a fierce storm: the wind is howling, and the waves tower above. The crew is on edge, but you are utterly frightened – this is your first job at sea. You’re shivering and can’t seem to get warm, as you are used to much warmer climates. And it’s Christmas.
But then a small gift bag reminds you that someone thought of you. Inside are a few necessities, a warm hat and a bag of sweets. And as you’re having a hot cup of tea with a piece of chocolate, your day brightens – thanks to Iain Sanders, Aberdeen’s new port chaplain.
A Journey of Callings
Iain’s story begins far from the cold waters of the North Sea. He was born into a family of missionaries in Bolivia. Upon return to England, his family moved frequently, following his father’s pastoral duties.
One church became a long-term home: Iain’s father served there for 26 years. Whether with youth work, Friday night groups, Sunday school or Bible studies, Iain has always been an active contributor to Christian fellowship, and not just in his father’s church.
In 2008, he met his future wife, whom he married one year later. The couple moved to Rosie’s hometown, Belfast, where Iain’s Christian work continued. Iain volunteered at the drop-in kitchen – it offered a hot lunch accompanied by “Word at One”. Rotating with others, he offered a 15-20 minutes sermon at 1 pm while everyone was enjoying their hot soup with a buttered bun.
Volunteering for the Belfast City Mission, Iain did open air preaching: a challenging task of addressing the general public on the street. Some passers-by lingered to hear the gospel; others threw profanities. Iain continued his youth work in Belfast too, running Holiday Bible Clubs for school children.
To deepen his knowledge of theology he enrolled at the Irish Baptist College. After three years, he got his Bachelor of Divinity. He is preparing to start research for his Master’s dissertation on the metaphor of slavery in the Bible.
A Door Opens
Iain Sanders is the first one from the left.
When the pandemic disrupted Iain’s plan for a cross-cultural placement, he embraced the opportunity to volunteer for the Seafarers’ Christian Friend Society (SCFS). Reluctant at first, Iain spent eight weeks shadowing Sam Cowan, Belfast’s Port chaplain. Having visited over 50 ships, he met people who spoke 200 different languages. However, it was English that he used for cross-cultural navigation, says Iain, calling it “the universal language of the sea”.
A strong interest towards port chaplaincy was built that summer. Iain stayed in touch with the SCFS, and for a year, dedicated one day a week to organising deputation for the charity.
At an SCFS staff conference, when asked about his future with the organisation, Iain admitted he envisioned himself as Sam’s successor — he knew his way around Belfast’s port. But Sam wasn’t planning to retire yet, so Iain was asked whether he would be interested in becoming a port chaplain for Aberdeen. He showed interest but that was the last he heard of it up until a rebranding launch event in October 2023.
When at the event, a trustee announced that the SCFS had found someone for Aberdeen with funding secured, Iain and his wife relaxed – they realised the candidate for the role had been secured and clearly, they would not have to relocate. Little did they know that during the buffet, this trustee would approach them and say that it was Iain who was the chosen person for Aberdeen.
After a few exploratory trips to Aberdeen and a very tumultuous relocation, Iain officially started his chaplaincy in October 2024. He is one of three port chaplains – the other two represented by the Roman Catholic Church and the Norwegian Church of Aberdeen.
A Seafarers’ Friend
Iain deals with a variety of pastoral issues at work. Some of them are much like pastoral issues a minister would encounter in a church. Others are more specific to the nature of a seafarer’s work.
Iain with a Ukrainian captain
Cadets, often away from their homes for the first time and many still in their teens, need reassurance and guidance. Experienced seafarers are affected by long absences from home which can range from 5-6 weeks up to 5-6 months. Whatever the duration, absence from home puts a strain on marriage and family ties. Many Ukrainian seafarers cannot return to their own country fearing to be drafted and they are scattered across Europe not knowing when they might see family, friends, or partners again.
"A job at sea is dangerous, but the greatest threat to seafarers is not storms or accidents, Iain says, — it is suicide." Here is where vigilance and compassion are paramount. Listening and paying attention to the smallest details can help discern when intervention is required.
A chaplain may encounter extraordinary situations, such as an abandoned or arrested ship. Bereavement issues, hospital or even prison visits are occasional occurrences too.
More often, Iain’s work involves simple yet meaningful acts of connection. He goes onboard to share a short sermon or a reading. Many conversations happen over a cup of coffee, where listening is just as important as speaking. Sometimes, seafarers ask him to accompany them on a shopping trip or simply to spend time ashore — anything to feel solid ground beneath their feet. Recently, a group of crew members requested that he take them to a Sunday service.
Most modern ships today have strong internet connection. But there are still old ships where internet is weak or non-existent. Iain has a Wi-Fi connection in his car for seafarers to use.
Next summer, Aberdeen is set to welcome 60 cruise ships. Crew numbers on those ships vary from 500 to 2500 people, depending on the ship’s size. And unlike luxurious guest cabins, crew quarters are very austere. They can be 8 by 8 feet in size and shared by two people. Iain is planning to visit cruise ships this summer season.
This Christmas, Iain prepared gift packages containing a hat, soap, sweets, a toothbrush with toothpaste, a flannel, and a New Testament. His wife Rosie made special gift sets for the two ladies who serve as cadets onboard.
Next year, Iain is planning to organise carol singing for seafarers.
A Ministry of Presence
“Wherever you go you take the word of God with you”, says Iain. He has a physical copy of the Bible on him, but he believes in meeting people where they are. “You don’t hit people on the head with it,” he says, emphasizing the importance of sensitivity and timing.
What matters most is that all are welcome, regardless of their religious background. Iain is happy to dedicate his time to anyone willing to receive it. Some interactions bring forth theological discussions.
When asked which scripture guides his work, Iain quotes Psalm 107:23:
"Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters, they see the works of the Lord and His wonders in the deep."
For seafarers coming to Aberdeen, Iain Sanders is a steady presence – a reminder that even in the fiercest storms, there is warmth, hope, and light.
Port Chaplain's Appeal
1) Iain is available to participate in any church groups or activities. If you need anything - feel free to contact him.
2) Iain is looking for volunteers, preferably young people. The only requirements are: a) to love the Lord and to be willing to share the gospel with the seafarers; b) to have good physical aptitude.
Full training will be provided. It's a great opportunity to find out more about the ships and the life of seafarers.
3) Many people from warmer countries come unprepared for Scottish weather, so Iain is always in need of hats, scarves, neck warmers and mittens. Spare jackets and jumpers are appreciated too. If you know a knitting group that would be willing to take on a challenge, Iain has shared knitting patterns with us.
Contact details:
Iain Sanders represents Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Email: iain@scfs.org
Phone: +447856901042 (you can use whatsapp too)
Seafarers happy to receive some warm clothes:
