The Seamen’s Church Institute is a worldwide resource for legal research, education, advocacy and assistance on seafarers’ rights issues.

From its offices in New York’s South Street Seaport, the Seamen’s Church Institute’s Center for Seafarers’ Rights upholds the Institute’s historic mission of advocating for the rights of the world’s seafarers. Since 1834, the Institute has sought to promote merchant mariners’ dignity, well-being and professional training.

The Seamen’s Church provides a center for research, legal assistance and training on issues relating to seafarers’ abuse and exploitation. It provides free legal counseling, assistance and referrals to merchant seafarers and seafarers’ welfare agencies worldwide. The Institute’s lawyers regularly handle cases ranging from denial of shore leave and bad food to preparing a petition to the International Court of Justice to free a ships’ crew held hostage for over two years.

The Institute also works to improve national and international law and practices protecting mariners and improving maritime safety and security. Institute attorneys regularly participate in International Maritime Organization, International Labor Organization, United States Congressional and other countries' legislative deliberations relating to seafarers' issues. The Institute was instrumental in changing national and international standards relating to stowaways, piracy, repatriation, medical care, shore leave and security.

The Institute collaborates with the maritime industry and organizations that share its concern for the problems caused by sub-standard ships. Contributions from individuals, corporations and organizations help it to continue efforts to publish seafarers’ rights pamphlets, upgrade the level of ship operations, provide crucial pro-bono legal assistance to exploited seafarers worldwide, and to present worthwhile programs for the maritime industry.