About us

Our group consists of four paid staff members and about 15 volunteers. Currently, Peter Van Parys is the chairman of the non-profit organization. André Quintelier joined as chaplain in 1992. Our Seafarers’ House ‘Stella Maris’ celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013. Thus, for more than half a century, the inspirers of the house – the Catholic non-profit organization Apostolatus Maris – have been providing seafarers with a pleasant time far from home.

They visit the ships daily, explain the free bus transport, sell SIM cards, deliver newspapers. Every day, we receive lists of the ships and their berthing locations in the port. This is how we plan our trip. It also happens that we receive a call from a ship, an agency, or a dockworker letting us know that we are expected. Sometimes we have to transfer money for a sailor, go together to the bank, or we look for a pharmacist or a doctor for them. If necessary, the seafarers’ house financially intervenes. A seaman who ends up in a hospital here is considered “family” by us and is visited daily.

An organization like ours relies heavily on volunteers. They keep the shop open and assist sailors. And there’s the famous ‘Hats Club.’ A lovely group of ladies gathers monthly in the bar to knit hats for chilly, grateful seamen. It always creates a very homely atmosphere.