INTERNATIONAL SEAFARERS CENTER at PORTS of LONG BEACH & LOS ANGELES
Email Us: iscpolb.la@iscpolb-la.org
Call Pat for Pick-Up: (562) 879-8294
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Welcome to the International Seafarers' Center: Serving All Who Sail
At the International Seafarers' Center (ISC), we are proud to offer a comprehensive range of services designed to support the well-being of all seafarers, regardless of their rank, age, sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin.
Beyond the vital services of transportation, communication, temporary housing, mail and package handling, and spiritual support from our Chaplains Chim and Sam, our commitment extends much further. We regularly organize food and clothing drives, prepare special holiday packages and celebrations to bring cheer during festive seasons, and provide essential care packages and welcome packages upon arrival.
Guided by our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Good Stewardship, Empathy, and Humanity, we continuously strive to deliver exceptional services. Our mission is to ensure the comfort, safety, and overall well-being of every seafarer, reflecting the high standards and excellence of the San Pedro Bay port complex.
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TRANSPORTATION
Transportation: Our Most Requested Service, Day and Night
Our transportation service is by far our most requested, operating day and night to meet the diverse needs of seafarers. We provide essential pickups from both the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, shuttling seafarers to a variety of crucial destinations.
Whether it's a trip to the mall to shop for their families, getting to the airport, attending doctor's appointments, or even enjoying leisure activities like tennis and cycling, we've got them covered. We also ensure seafarers can handle practical errands like banking, grocery shopping, and acquiring clothing. After their outings, we can transport them back to their vessel, or to our Center if they need a place to stay before boarding their next ship, offering a haven of rest, a sense of community, and vital communication access.
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MINISTRY
Our Ministry Services for Seafarers
At the International Seafarers' Center (ISC), our Chaplains Chim and Sam are dedicated to providing comprehensive ministry services to seafarers. They offer non-denominational spiritual support to meet a wide range of needs, whether on board vessels in the San Pedro Bay ports, at our Center, or during transit.
Our chaplains are there for seafarers in all circumstances, offering everything from prayers and counseling to conducting memorials and funerals when needed for those on ships at roads and anchor. They provide a vital source of comfort and guidance, ensuring seafarers have access to the spiritual care they need, no matter where they are.
COMMUNICATION SERVICES
Staying Connected: Communication Services for Seafarers
We know how tough it is for seafarers to be away from home for long stretches. That's why we offer essential communication services, including phones, reliable, satellite internet access, and computers. These services are crucial; they allow seafarers to reconnect with family, friends, and other loved ones, bridging the vast distances of their journeys at sea.
TEMPORARY HOUSING
Temporary Housing: A Welcoming Haven for Seafarers
After a long and arduous journey overseas, seafarers deserve a peaceful place to rest and recharge. That's exactly what our temporary housing provides: a much-needed haven. We offer comfortable accommodations equipped with all the essential amenities, including bedding, clean kitchens and clean bathrooms, and hot showers. It's all about providing the basic comforts seafarers desperately need when they arrive in port.
PANDEMIC VACCINATIONS
ISC's COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts for Seafarers
The International Seafarers' Center (ISC) played a crucial role in safeguarding maritime trade and seafarer well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. When vaccine access was a challenge, the ISC, led by President & CEO Capt. Richard McKenna and facilitated by Port of Long Beach Harbor Commissioner Frank Ruiz, connected with the Long Beach Department of Health. This collaboration secured excess vaccine doses, enabling the ISC to launch mobile vaccination teams.
These teams went directly aboard vessels, administering free COVID-19 vaccines to over 13,500 seafarers. The ISC coordinated closely with vessel captains to ensure smooth operations. Additionally, on weekends when mobile teams were unavailable, ISC Transportation Manager Pat Pettit assisted seafarers in getting vaccinated at local CVS pharmacies.
These proactive efforts by the ISC were instrumental in preventing vessel quarantines and maintaining the continuous flow of trade through the ports.
MAIL & PACKAGE STORAGE
Mail & Package Storage: A Lifeline for Seafarers
Being away from home for extended periods means seafarers often miss important mail and packages. At the International Seafarers' Center, we bridge that gap by offering a vital mail and package storage service.
We safely receive and hold everything from personal letters and official documents (like the mail seen with our ISC label in the image) to online orders and essential supplies shipped directly to us (as shown by the stack of Amazon packages). Our organized system ensures that when seafarers arrive in port, their mail and packages are ready and waiting for them, providing a crucial connection to their lives ashore. This service is a testament to our commitment to supporting seafarers' well-being, even when they're far from home.
