The Sailors’ Society provides practical and emotional support to merchant seafarers and their families in the UK and throughout the world. Their port chaplains visit thousands of ships during the year, reaching out to crew members of all ranks, without distinction for nationality or faith.

Seafarers’ contracts are for nine months or more and 84% do not have access to phones or internet while on board. Port chaplains transport seafarers to internet cafes where they can contact their families.

Woolly hats are an essential item of clothing as many seafarers are ill-prepared for the cold climates they encounter around the world. The Society gives away over 20,000 hats each year.

Lands’ End in the UK are offering 1,500 kits, free with order, from September 2009. The pattern is suitable for near-beginners, knitted flat with deep ribbing and decreases towards the crown, and then seamed.

See also http://www.sailors-society.org/