Merchant Navy Day
We’re calling on communities across the UK to celebrate their Merchant Navy, by flying the Red Ensign on Merchant Navy Day, Wednesday, 3 September.
2025 marks the 10th anniversary of our charity’s ‘Fly the Red Ensign’ campaign. What started in 2015 as an effort to address a lack of awareness about the contributions of merchant seafarers, is now a time to celebrate and champion these everyday heroes.
Since its inception, the campaign has grown into a significant national event. The Red Ensign, known affectionately as the 'Red Duster,' is flown at historic properties, political establishments, parish and town council offices, and village greens across the UK. This powerful symbol serves to highlight the indispensable role of merchant seafarers - past, present, and future.
Merchant Navy seafarers’ bravery kept supply lines open during global conflicts including the world wars, as well as crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Today, merchant seafarers are indispensable, handling 95% of the UK’s traded goods.
Message from our President, His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh
Please feel free to share or read out the message from the President of The Seafarers’ Charity, HRH Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, online or at your flag-hoisting event.
“
80 years on from the end of the Second World War, we are asking you to fly the Red Ensign to mark Merchant Navy Day and acknowledge the invisible service. Just as then, the Merchant Navy is critical to the survival and prosperity of our islands – the British Isles. There are approximately 24,000 men and women working at sea carrying over 95% of our island nation’s trade. Regrettably, it is only during times of war that the service enters our consciousness, as is sadly the case today with seafarers running the gauntlet in the Red Sea. This is our one opportunity to show our seafarers how much we value them, past and present, as well as their families. Thank you in anticipation of you showing your support.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE SEAFARERS’ CHARITY, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT GCVO
How you can get involved
There are several ways you can show your support:
Fly the Red Ensign
Raise the Red Ensign on a flagpole at your home, office, or community centre on 3 September to show your support for Britain’s merchant seafarers. 'Red Dusters' are available for purchase online from Hampshire Flag Company at www.hampshireflag.co.uk. Use the discount code Seafarers15 to receive a discount on your order.
Wave the flag by wearing something red on MN Day!
If you can’t fly a red ensign on the day, join us in wearing a splash of red at work or around the home. Why not co-ordinate with your family or colleagues?
Digital Support
Download our Digital Toolkit and share your support on social media by using the hashtag #MerchantNavyDay.
Spread the Word
Invite your friends, family, and colleagues to get involved in the Merchant Navy Day via word of mouth, email, newsletters, or social media.
Order a pin
Please email us at marcomms@theseafarerscharity.org by 11 August to request a lapel pin displaying the Red Ensign. We also have Red Ensign car stickers available.
Your involvement is key to raising awareness and appreciation of the UK’s seafarers, and we would be honoured if you would play a part in our celebrations this year.
If you have any questions about the Fly the Red Ensign for Merchant Navy Day campaign, please get in touch by emailing marcomms@theseafarerscharity.org
