Maritime Safety Day 2025

Enhancing Maritime Safety through CHIRP

For over 20 years, CHIRP Maritime has provided a safe and confidential way for seafarers to report near-misses, safety incidents, and hazards. The insights gathered are published in multilingual formats and distributed widely, improving safety awareness across the industry. With our support, CHIRP has expanded to produce reports focused on the unique safety needs of fishers and superyacht crews. This essential feedback loop promotes a culture of learning and proactive risk reduction.

Addressing the Safety Needs of Women at Sea

Only 2% of the global seafaring workforce are women, but their safety and wellbeing are just as important. We fund targeted support projects for women working at sea, recognising their unique challenges and ensuring they are not overlooked in discussions around safety and welfare. We also fund a range of initiatives to support those who have been impacted by sexual violence at sea.

Breaking New Ground: Safer Ports for Fishers

In a new and innovative step toward integrated safety, we are now funding the first Fishing Port Safety Manager role through Port Skills and Safety. This post is unique in that it brings fishing safety into the broader context of port operations, recognising that hazards such as slips, trips, and unsafe embarkation/disembarkation often occur outside vessels. By embedding safety accountability within port management structures, this role represents a major shift in how risks to fishers are addressed onshore.

Supporting Financial Stability for Seafarers and Families

Financial wellbeing is a vital part of overall safety. That’s why we created The Safety Net, a digital resource hub developed with the Merchant Navy Welfare Board. Initially launched for fishing families, and later extended to all UK merchant seafarers, this free platform offers tools and guidance on managing personal finances, accessing debt advice, and navigating mental health support, especially during the cost of living crisis.

Fostering Psychological Safety through ISWAN’s Allyship Campaign

Feeling safe at sea goes beyond physical protections. It means knowing you belong and can speak up without fear. That’s at the heart of ISWAN’s “Safe at Sea… it takes all of us!” campaign, co-funded by The Seafarers’ Charity in partnership with UK P&I Club. By championing allyship, the initiative highlights how male colleagues can actively support women’s inclusion, challenge unacceptable behaviour, and foster environments where everyone’s voice is heard.

Our Role in the APPG on Fisheries Safety Briefing

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fisheries policy briefing on fishing safety reflects key contributions from The Seafarers’ Charity. We have helped shape recommendations promoting tailored safety regulations, enhanced training, and stronger engagement with fishing communities. Our input supports practical safety measures and increased funding to address the sector’s specific risks, ensuring fishing safety policies are effective and grounded in real industry needs.

Crisis Response Support with Sailors’ Society

We fund the Sailors' Society's Crisis Response Network (CRN), which provides 24/7 assistance to seafarers and their families affected by emergencies such as piracy, collisions, and extreme weather. Services include case management, helplines, and access to mental health resources, alongside efforts to reduce the stigma around mental health in maritime professions. Read one of our latest case studies here.

Sea Views Podcast: Exploring Safety Through Expert Voice

Launched during Maritime Safety Week 2023, Sea Views podcast, funded by The Seafarers’ Charity and supported by CHIRP, features in-depth conversations with experts on key safety issues across all sectors of seafaring.

• In the Safe in Port episode, released in April 2024, Debbie Cavaldoro and Adam Parnell explore how AI is boosting safety in ports by helping predict and prevent accidents.

• In the Bridge Safety episode, released in June 2024, Captain Andrew Parker discusses new technologies improving navigation and safety across vessels from fishing boats to cruise liners.

Fishing Safety Films and NFFO Partnership

We’ve partnered with the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO) to improve safety in the fishing industry. Together, we co-fund the Risk, Safety & Training Lead role at NFFO, held by Charles Blyth. Charles developed the FISH SAFE film series - funded by The Seafarers’ Charity - to provide practical, industry-led videos that help fishers manage key safety risks at sea.