When Douglas Stevenson, Esq. retired in 2019 as the Director of SCI’s Center for Seafarer Rights (CSR), it marked the end of a remarkable 29-year career leading one of the most recognized organizations worldwide that advocates for merchant mariners. The Seamen’s Church Institute had long campaigned for seafarer rights and benefits for U.S. Merchant Marines and international seafarers dating to the 19th century, but it was not until 1982 that SCI established an official Center for Seafarer Rights to focus solely on these issues. Over time, CSR was recognized around the globe as a leading advocate for merchant mariners by providing free legal assistance to seafarers and maritime chaplains, seafarer rights training, and legislative advocacy.


This November, SCI’s advocacy work begins a new chapter under a new director when Philip C. Schifflin, Jr, Esq., (CAPT USCG Ret.) joins SCI as Director of the Center for Mariner Advocacy. While SCI continues to administer the world’s only free legal-aid service devoted exclusively to the needs of merchant mariners, assisting seafarers with concerns regarding working conditions, compensation, and rights in various circumstances, the new name illustrates SCI’s expansion into occupational and mental health, suicide awareness, and a more intentional presence serving U.S. mariners on our nation’s river systems.

Captain Schifflin brings thirty years of experience as a US Coast Guard Officer working in operational and legal assignments that included the Office of Maritime and International Law and serving on the US’s delegation to the International Maritime Organization, commanding officer of a Coast Guard vessel, Captain of the Port of New Orleans, and Staff Judge Advocate or chief legal officer for Coast Guard District 8. Captain Schifflin is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the Law School of the College of William & Mary, and the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy in Washington, D.C.


"I am thrilled that Phil Schifflin has been selected to succeed me as director of the Center for Mariner Advocacy. Phil has exceptional qualifications, experience, and personal qualities that will advance the Seamen’s Church Institute’s long history of leadership in advocating for the world’s merchant mariners. SCI and the mariners it serves are indeed blessed to have Phil at the advocacy helm.”
- Doug Stevenson, Esq.

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Going forward, SCI will continue to monitor and work to improve international and national standards affecting mariners’ living and working conditions and to continue to introduce and work to implement important laws to ensure safety in the maritime workplace and the fair treatment of mariners. SCI regularly participates in the International Maritime Organization, the International Labour Organization, United States Congressional and other countries’ legislative deliberations relating to seafarers’ issues. SCI has supported its advocacy initiatives through objective research and surveys on a variety of issues, including seafarers’ shore leave and mariner occupational health.


"Doug Stevenson has contributed so much to the care and lives of seafarers, it’s an enormous legacy. We are extremely fortunate as an organization and an industry that Philip Schifflin is here to step into the role. He brings the critical skills, the passion and energy and most importantly the widespread respect of his colleagues in the industry to the cause.”
- Jim Lawrence, Founder of Marine Money and SCI Board Member


Want to have a great time while learning how SCI serves mariners 365 days a year?
Be sure to get your tickets to the Silver Lining Virtual Event streaming on Wednesday, November 11 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET!
With special appearances by Admiral Karl E. Schultz, astronaut Scott Kelly, Captain Richard Phillips, and fanfare and personalities from SCI's beloved Silver Bell Awards Dinner, this will be an evening you won't want to miss!

Does the thought of wind whipping through sails and a cool ocean spray coming at you as the sun ebbs toward the horizon sound good?

We think so too! End your day with a sunset sail for four people on a 42’ modern classic daysailer from Wilson Cove (Norwalk), CT with cocktail hour beverages and appetizers provided by the owner and captain of this yacht! After what has been a stressful year, don’t let the opportunity to spend a relaxing and fun evening on a spectacular yacht with great company pass you by. Sure to be one of the highlights of your year!

Sign up now for the SCI Silver Lining Online Auction so that you don’t miss out on the chance to bid on this and other exciting items when the Auction goes live November 9 through November 11.

The Auction includes a wide variety of items from categories such as Travel & Experiences, Beauty & Fashion; Wine, Dine & Spirits; Sports & Fitness; Behind-the-Scenes Tours; and Art & Literature. By signing up you will also receive updates on new items leading up to the Auction.

Donated by: Gary and Shelley Vogel


A talented Christmas at Sea knitter and her husband have generously donated the use of their illustrations for our new gift tags. Here is a small sampling of their beautiful work! Soon we will be featuring these images in printed and downloadable tags for use by all of our Christmas at Sea crafters for their handmade gifts to mariners.

As some of you know, Don Sheetz, a professional announcer, has recorded podcasts of SCI's publications this year. Donations like these are so appreciated! We could not provide the services that we do without your financial and in-kind support. Thank you for all that you do!

Your Support Allows Us to Respond to Mariner Needs Without Hesitation.

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