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The Seafarer’s Mind is a wonderful resource for seafarers. The book is rich in narrative and case studies and covers a wide range of issues and challenges facing sailors on the high seas. A hard hitting account which unpacks the realities of a modern version of indentured labour, the author provides hope in the often harsh world of seafaring. This is a practical guide to living in isolating and confined situations where temptations abound and moral compasses are often abandoned. Martin Otto is the world’s leader in serving seafarers through his international mission work. He is to be commended for being God’s advocate in such an insightful, humble and practical manner. This book will become a widely read text and is sure to become a key reference for all seafarers seeking to live a Godly life in an often harsh and unforgiving environment. I recommend it wholeheartedly. Rev. Martin Otto and his wife Monika have been serving seafarers in the port of Hamburg for the last 32 years. They work with the international seamen’s mission, Seamen’s Christian Friend Society based in the UK. Martin has visited more than 20.000 ships (cargo ships, cruise ships, navy ships and yachts) and shares in this book out of his wealth of experience, about the seafarer’s mind. Martin is the author of four other books – Seafarers a strategic missionary vision; Church on the Oceans; Faith at Sea; and Help, how can I overcome temptation? He also is the director of training for the Seamen’s Christian Friend Society and the Church on the Oceans project in the Philippines. Professor Ross Dowling AM Global Cruise Ship Lecturer Perth, Australia The Seafarer’s Mind: The questions I’ve always wanted to ask. Martin Otto. Serving seafarers is a calling rooted in the love of God and the passion for people. That Martin Otto’s inspiration for his ministry is rooted in both, jumps from the pages of “The Seafarer’s Mind.” In this book Martin Otto listens more than he talks. It is the seafarers one hears, not formulaic preaching. Before and when a pastoral path is explored, he takes care to understand the person within the difficulty. He clearly cares deeply for the individual and the group, and we get to listen to and really hear their voice. This is a listening ministry. Such is the compassion of the chaplain. Pastoral outcomes are respectfully suggested as possibilities, never demanded. Otto affords seafarers their voice and opens windows to their inner world. It is seafarers’ commitment to family that jumps from these pages like no other. Their family ties are as fragile and as shattered as anyone’s, their love as genuine, their determination to be productive in order to care, as admirable as that of any working person. Working environments are seldom ideal. Whether sailing on super tankers or luxury yachts, passenger ships or rust buckets, problems persist. Even the most professional of career seafarers realise just how easily onboard crises may overwhelm their experience and coping skills. Martin Otto has picked up on it too. In my working life I have learnt that no single size fits all. Chaplains must be generous, inviting seafarers to choose from the full scope of faith-based support offered by some 28 chaplaincies across the globe. Difference need not be schisms. Ecumenical working among chaplains is key. I am delighted at Otto’s recognition of this basic insight into ministry to seafarers. I am grateful for this remarkable book. “Remarkable” because it adds to, sadly, far too short a list of publications that give us a peek into seafarers’ inner life. Hennie la Grange Former General Secretary of ICMA