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.

Plant a Seed of Hope This Spring

Your donation can help seafaring families overcome hardship and build brighter futures.

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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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

Statement on the Red Sea attacks

July 10, 2025

The Seafarers' Charity condemns the Red Sea attacks on Magic Seas and Eternity C. Innocent seafarers have been killed or injured, and many are still missing. These are blameless victims who were simply doing their job.

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Spotlight Interview: Alicia, 2027 Programme colleague

July 09, 2025

At The Seafarers’ Charity, we have a strong focus on ensuring people from all walks of life have access to opportunities in the charity sector. That’s why we’ve been a long-term supporter of the 2027 Talent Programme. 2027 is designed to create pathways into charity roles for people from underrepresented backgrounds.

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Maritime Safety Day 2025

July 08, 2025

This Maritime Safety Day, we recognise and celebrate the vital contributions of seafarers around the world and renew the call for stronger safety standards across the maritime industry.

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Seapost - June 2025

June 12, 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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The Seafarers' Charity's Chief Executive Recognised by The Fishmongers’ Company

June 10, 2025

Deborah Layde, chief executive of The Seafarers’ Charity, has been sworn in as a member of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers, in recognition of her ongoing commitment to improving fisher safety.

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The Seafarers’ Charity Annual Meeting 2025

June 04, 2025

On Wednesday, 4 June 2025, The Seafarers’ Charity held its Annual Meeting aboard HMS Wellington in London. Chaired by Paul Butterworth, Chair of the Trustees, the meeting brought together members, stakeholders, and supporters from across the maritime welfare sector to reflect on the charity’s work over the past year. As well as formal governance matters, this was also an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding contributions of our partners.

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