The Seafarers' Charity makes a life-changing impact in troubled times. Our donations and grants to organisations support those who work – or have worked – at sea, and their families.

Proactive and forward-looking, we also seek ways to prevent issues becoming problems. Through funding, collaboration, research and advocacy, we tackle the root causes of seafarer hardship and disadvantage in the UK and around the world.

The Seafarers' Charity's Corporate Film

At The Seafarers’ Charity, our vision is to create a world where seafarers and their families are valued and free of need and disadvantage.

For over a hundred years, we have been on an epic voyage using grant funding to support seafarers who risk their lives to supply our nation, taking care of their families during long periods at sea and looking out for seafarers wherever they may be in the UK or the furthest reaches of the Commonwealth.

Watch our corporate film to find out more...

In 2024, donations to The Seafarers' Charity helped us to:

award 64 grants, totalling £2.6m to 48 organisations. More than just money, your donations to our maritime charity will transform the lives of thousands of seafarers at home and abroad.

The impact of your support

Our strategy

Our new strategy, 'Thrive', is a solution-focused approach. We’re seeking out ways to tackle the core, systemic issues so seafarers can live dignified lives.

Grant funding

The Seafarers' Charity operates three main grant programmes to provide specialist funding to seafarers in need and their families.

Our influence

We use grant funding, research, advocacy and collaboration to achieve better outcomes for seafarers in respect of their financial resilience, health and well-being, better working lives, safety and social justice. See our current areas of work.

Donate Today

Please make an online donation or set up a monthly gift to The Seafarers’ Charity to make a life-changing difference to seafarers in need and their families.

Other ways to get involved

Upcoming fundraising events

Take part in an event or fundraise to help support seafarers and their families at a time of crisis.

24 Peaks Challenge 2026

July 04, 2026 - July 05, 2026

Attempt to summit 24 peaks trekking on some of the most iconic mountains in the Lake District. It's one of the most demanding mountain walking challenges in the UK – which makes completing it all the more rewarding!

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Our latest news

New University of Surrey study begins to support seafarers with diabetes

September 11, 2025

The Seafarers' Charity has joined with others to fund a new study aimed at seafarers with diabetes. With support from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, 50 seafarers with insulin-treated diabetes will wear glucose-monitoring kit for 12 months at sea and on land. It's hoped the findings will show how well diabetes can be managed at sea.

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New Maritime Charities Group report predicts major changes for UK seafarers

September 10, 2025

The Seafarers’ Charity attended the launch of ‘Seafarers 2040’, a new report which predicts major changes in the UK’s seafaring community over the next 15 years.

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UK Flies the Red Ensign to Honour Merchant Navy

September 03, 2025

On 3 September, flags were raised around the country to mark Merchant Navy Day, as The Seafarers’ Charity’s Fly the Red Ensign campaign celebrated its 10th anniversary. Communities, organisations, and landmarks including 10 Downing Street, Tower Bridge, Guildhall, HMS Victory, and many more nationwide honoured the immense contribution of merchant seafarers past and present.

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Seapost - August 2025

August 28, 2025

Read the latest newsletter from our Charity and sign up to the mailing list to receive your copy straight into your inbox.

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Nautical Institute and The Seafarers' Charity expand training for seafarers

August 11, 2025

We are pleased to announce the extension of our work with The Nautical Institute, following the award of a new grant to support enhanced training in leadership, mental health, and crew well-being.

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Seapost - July 2025

July 24, 2025

Read the latest newsletter from our Charity and sign up to the mailing list to receive your copy straight into your inbox.

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