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.

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.

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 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

Seapost - October 2025

October 16, 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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Former Government Maritime Director joins The Seafarers’ Charity

October 15, 2025

Petra Wilkinson CBE, former Director of Maritime at the UK Department for Transport, has joined The Seafarers’ Charity as a trustee. With nearly 40 years in government service, she led key initiatives such as the UK’s Maritime 2050 strategy and Covid-19 maritime response. Petra will be officially appointed at the charity’s 2026 annual meeting.

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Annual National Service for Seafarers: Maritime community honours seafarers at St Paul’s Cathedral

October 14, 2025

Seafarers past and present from around the world gathered at St Paul’s on Wednesday 8th October for the Annual National Service for Seafarers (ANSS). Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal and the Archbishop of Canterbury-elect offered prayers and readings, while representatives from more than 20 countries gathered to give thanks to the global seafaring workforce.

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Distinguished names join The Seafarers’ Charity as trustees

October 07, 2025

The Seafarers’ Charity has announced that Simon Gillespie and Guy Platten, two highly influential figures from across the charity and maritime sectors, have joined its board of trustees. Former British Heart Foundation chief executive Simon, and recent International Chamber of Shipping Secretary General Guy, will help oversee the governance of one of the world’s leading funders of maritime welfare organisations.

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Seapost - September 2025

September 18, 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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Seapost - September 2025

September 18, 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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