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Captain Bert Bjorndal has been appointed chairperson and vice-president of
the Mission to Seafarers in the Diocese of New Westminster by The Right Rev. Michael
Ingham, Bishop and president of the society, effective April 6, 2011. Capt. Bjorndal joined
the Mission’s board of directors on April 11, 2006. He succeeds Glen Mitchell who has
retired after serving nine years as a board member, six as chair and vice-president.
 
 
 
Capt. Bjorndal is well known in BC’s maritime industry as a professional pilot who currently
serves as vice-president of The BC Coast Pilots Ltd. This group, based in Vancouver,
Victoria and Nanaimo provide essential pilotage services to the ocean going vessels that
arrive and depart from port facilities along BC’s 15,000 kilometres of coastline.
The Mission to Seafarers Society has operated a home away from home for seafarers on
the Vancouver waterfront, (and more recently at Roberts Bank-Delta Port) since 1903. The
Mission’s Chaplains visit ships and welcomes 15,000 seafarers annually with hospitality,
internet and international telephone access, shore transportation, a small shop facility and
chaplain's services.