Chaplaincy

Our Chaplain

Since 2001, our Chaplain Howard Drysdale has visited the College two days a month and is available for guidance and advice to all learners regardless of denomination. He combines his College work with a ministry to seafarers in Aberdeen.

Initially providing a range of services to Maritime student's, Howard now provides advice, guidance, information and assistance to all students and staff, as required.

Student's Receive Grant

College Chaplain Howard Drysdale, below centre, presented student's Sheldon E Correa and Abhijeet Kumar (Chief Mates & Masters) with a cheque each from the Nautical Grant Scheme, provided by the Sailors' Society.

Further information on the grant scheme for students can be obtained from the GCNS Students' Association, the International Learners Support Unit or the Sailors Society at www.sailors-society.org. The Chaplain can be contacted at the details below.

The Sailor's Society

Last year (2009), Howard visited 1,447 ships and upwards of 15,000 seafarers in his work as Chaplain for the Sailor's Society.

The Society operates in 100 ports and 30 countries through its network of Port Chaplains and Centres.

The Sailors' Society provides a personal lifeline for seafarers on board and when they step ashore. Existing to enrich and enhance the well-being of seafarers in port through its Port Chaplains and Centres, seafarers are offered practical help and welfare, spiritual support, financial assistance and family liaison. Our Port Chaplains visit thousands of ships during the year and are often the first to notice when all is not well on board.

Reaching out to crew members of all ranks, without distinction for faith, denomination, ethnic background or nationality, the Port Chaplains of the Sailors' Society offer a friendly presence, unconditionally greeting seafarers where they meet them.

Sailors’ Society Port Chaplains enjoy a special trusted status with seafarers the world over and whilst remaining impartial, above all else their objective is to help replace isolation with belonging.

Chaplain Contact Details

Howard Drysdale
GCNS College Chaplain
Horizons House
81 Waterloo Quay
Aberdeen
AB11 5DE
Mobile Tel: 07754141076
Email: chaplain@gcns.ac.uk