Religious activities of the International Seafarers' Center are best described as a "ministry of presence." It does not seek to influence except by the power of its example. Port chaplains draw upon a community of religious leaders of various faiths and denominations who stand ready to conduct services and to provide spiritual and personal counseling. Upon request, religious services can be conducted on board a vessel. Chaplains are prepared to address religious or spiritual questions as well as issues of day-to-day well-being. All clergy are affiliated with the ISC and, if they cannot resolve a problem or need themselves, have access to professional advisors at seafarers' centers both national and international.

• ISC provides Christian Bibles and testaments at no cost and in almost all major languages. Both the Colonel's Island and East River seafarers' facilities offer areas that are available for religious services, quiet thought or private counseling.
  
  
• Mariners are welcome to attend services at any of the numerous local churches. Service hours are found in local telephone directories or by calling the ISC. The Seafarers' Center makes every effort to provide or to arrange transportation to and from church services.