The Seafarers' Charity makes a life-changing impact in troubled times. Our 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 2022, your donations helped us to:

award 72 grants, totalling £3.1m to 61 organisations. More than just money, these funds 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

Our seafarers are our lifeline. Please donate today and 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.

Our latest news

Inland and Coastal Marina Systems sponsors the Harbour Master Sailing Challenge

March 23, 2023

Committed to providing safe water access for all workers afloat, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems are sponsoring the Harbour Master Sailing Challenge, supporting Mark Ashley-Miller’s bid to sail around the British Isles to meet every Harbour Master in the UK and Ireland.

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Seapost - March 2023

March 10, 2023

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

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The Seafarers’ Charity calls for increased support for the safety and welfare of women seafarers

March 08, 2023

A new research report released on International Women’s Day shines a spotlight on the welfare needs of women working on cargo ships. The Seafarers’ Charity, a significant funder of maritime welfare services, is now calling on its funded charities to consider increasing their support for women working at sea – especially those working in the male-dominated cargo sector.

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The Seafarers’ Charity Celebrates OBE Announcement

December 31, 2022

The Seafarers’ Charity’s former CEO, Catherine Spencer, has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in King Charles’ 2023 New Years Honours list for services to seafarers.

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Visa guidance being produced to support seafood businesses with international workers

December 22, 2022

We’re collaborating with Seafish to produce guidance to help businesses navigate the skilled workers visa application process.

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The Nautical Institute opens membership to fishing professionals

December 20, 2022

In a move that is set to increase global representation and recognition of the professionalism of fishing, The Nautical Institute has opened its membership to the UK and international commercial fishing industry.

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