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 2023, The Seafarers' Charity donations helped us to:

award 67 grants, totalling £2.4m to 50 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.

Support our #SeaVets Appeal

Commemorate D-DAY 80th anniversary by supporting seafaring veterans past, present and future. Thanks to a generous donor, all donations up to £10,000 will be match-funded.

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 2025

July 05, 2025 - July 06, 2025

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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TSC London Marathon 2025

April 27, 2025

The Seafarers’ Charity has a limited number of charity places in the London Marathon 2025 and we would love for you to join #TeamSeafarersKGFS and raise funds to help seafarers and their families in need.

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Our latest news

The Seafarers’ Charity Invites the UK to Honour Merchant Navy Heroes on Merchant Navy Day

August 27, 2024

The Seafarers’ Charity is calling on individuals, organisations and communities across the UK to recognise, honour and appreciate the importance of the role of our Merchant Navy seafarers by flying the Red Ensign on Merchant Navy Day, Tuesday, 3 September. The charity acknowledges the Merchant Navy’s role in keeping our economy afloat and their stellar support for the Royal Navy via the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

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Seapost - August 2024

August 22, 2024

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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International Fund for Fishing Safety Supports Training In South Africa & Namibia

August 21, 2024

The International Fund for Fishing Safety, (IFFS) has awarded the first grant to train and support fishing vessel safety auditors for deployment in South Africa and Namibia.

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Maritime Charities Group wants seafarer views on future welfare

August 21, 2024

The Maritime Charities Group (MCG) is delighted to announce the launch of a major new survey as part of ongoing research on the demographic profile of the UK’s Merchant Navy and fishing fleet.

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Taking a stand against modern day slavery in fishing

August 20, 2024

The Seafarers’ Charity is an independent charity, grant maker and fundraiser focused on championing the safety and wellbeing of all who work at sea, whatever vessel, and wherever they are in the world.  We are neither shocked nor surprised about the content revealed in the BBC2 documentary ‘Disclosure – Slavery at Sea’ by Chris Clements.  But thankfully there have been positive changes in the 10+ years this case has been considered, which include the UK’s implementation of ILO (International Labour Organization) 188 (ratified by the UK government in January 2019).

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Seapost - July 2024

July 25, 2024

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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