Knowing that many seafarers are unable to go ashore during busy times in port, we have developed a shopping service as part of our mission.

Information for Seafarers: How to Order

We are happy to assist with purchases and/or deliveries from Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and The Apple Store.

We do not charge for delivery services; any donations are greatly appreciated.

We are off for US Federal holidays. We deliver 7 days a week, 10 am to 9 pm. If you are in port overnight only and sail before 8 am, we can make deliveries during your next call to us. If we are alerted ahead of time to early departure, we will attempt to make delivery arrangements.

Ordering online

Our preferred method, when possible, is for you to place your order directly, using your credit card, and have your purchases sent to us.

  • Please use the address below exactly as written:
SCI (Your Vessel’s Name)
1321 Intrepid Ave., Suite 310
Philadelphia, PA 19112
  • When placing your own order, take note of delivery day. We do not receive post on the weekends. If you are scheduled to arrive on a Saturday or Sunday and will be departing Monday afternoon, please be sure deliveries will be at our office on or before Friday.
  • Once you have placed your order, please let us know by email at seafarerhelp@sciphiladelphia.org so we can keep track and let you know if anything does not arrive.
  • We have a weight limit of 35 pounds for packages delivered to us. Please do not order any single items weighing over this amount. This includes exercise equipment, large speakers, swimming pools, furniture, and large TV’s. If you wish to purchase any of these items we can arrange transport while you are here to the local store, or we can purchase the item for you.
  • We do not have storage for cold food items. Items will remain in the packaging until delivered to you.
  • If you need to order bulk food, bulk hardware, or repair parts for the vessel, use your chandler service or contact your agent. Please do not send us bulk orders for these items. Our shopping service exists to help where chandler and agents cannot.
We shop, you reimburse

We welcome requests for items you would like us to purchase for you, and we do our best to accommodate all requests. We ask for your understanding in situations where staff shortages, vaccination requests, or other factors make us unable to shop.

  • Please click HERE for a sample of a purchase order that includes all the information we need. And click HERE to download our form that you can use to send your order.
  • Please view the example before filling out a purchase order. If the item cannot be delivered on time, we will leave a note in the remarks section of your order.
  • If you can send us links to the exact items you wish to purchase, that is the best assurance that we are getting the product you want.
  • If you need assistance, please fill out the form and send it back to us by email. We will purchase what we can and send you receipts with the total amount due upon delivery of the items. If any issues arise during purchasing, we will reach out. Cash should be collected from the crew before our delivery.
  • If you are not satisfied with any items we are happy to discuss and offer a refund where possible. Vitamins, body sprays, and food are examples of non-refundable items.
  • If we are purchasing for you we will shop at Apple, Best Buy, Amazon, Target, and Walmart. Any other shopping requires special approval.
  • For shopping where we purchase in advance and collect cash when delivered, we need one point person per ship. Please make sure your orders are complete before you contact us, because we can only accept one list per ship.
  • Also please send us your request as far in advance as possible so we will have time to fill your orders.
Additional shopping rules
  • We cannot purchase chocolate from May through September.
  • If you are alongside for an extended period of time, we can take one shopping request per week.
  • If your ship comes in to our area on a regular basis, we can only order items for the current arrival date. New orders for the next arrival date should be placed after you sail.

Please contact us at seafarerhelp@sciphiladelphia.org to request shopping.