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August 2024
Dear Supporter,
Welcome to the August edition of Seapost, The Seafarers' Charity's e-newsletter. We hope you’ve been enjoying the summer season and making the most of the warmer weather. As we look ahead to September, we're excited to share the latest updates and upcoming events from The Seafarers' Charity in this edition of Seapost.
On Tuesday, 3 September, we will celebrate Merchant Navy Day, a day dedicated to honouring the men and women who serve or have served as merchant seafarers. For years, we have championed the campaign to Fly the Red Ensign, aiming to combat 'sea blindness' and highlight the vital role of those serving under the UK Flag. This year, we encourage you to join us in raising awareness and showing support by using our social media toolkit to promote Merchant Navy Day. Let’s come together to recognise and appreciate their crucial contributions.
In other news, the BBC documentary Disclosure – Slavery at Sea sheds light on the grim reality of modern-day slavery in the fishing industry. At The Seafarers’ Charity, we continue to work with our partners to address this issue. We urge you to watch the documentary, understand the pressing issues, and support our efforts to improve fishers’ welfare and combat modern-day slavery.
In this regard, we’re thrilled to announce that the International Fund for Fishing Safety (IFFS) has awarded its first grant to train fishing vessel safety auditors in South Africa and Namibia. This project, led by the Sea Safety Bee Trust, will develop a self-regulatory safety programme, enhancing safety management and compliance within the fishing industry in these regions.
We are also excited to invite you to the Annual National Service for Seafarers at St Paul’s Cathedral on 9 October 2024. This historic event, organised with Trinity House, celebrates the contributions of seafarers across all maritime professions and this year will also commemorate the RNLI's 200th anniversary. The service is free and open to all, so please register to attend and join us in honouring those who serve at sea.
Lastly, the Maritime Charities Group (MCG) has launched a new survey aimed at understanding the welfare needs of UK seafarers and shaping future support. This survey provides a valuable opportunity for seafarers to voice their concerns and help improve welfare services. Your input is crucial for tailoring support to meet the real needs of the maritime community.
Looking ahead to 2025, don’t miss the chance to challenge yourself and support seafarers and their families. We have limited charity places available for the London Marathon 2025 on 27 April and are also taking registrations of interest for our flagship event, the 24 Peaks Challenge, taking place in the Lake District from 5-6 July. For more details and to secure your place, visit our website or contact our events team.
Thank you for your continued support. We hope you enjoy this edition of Seapost.
Best wishes,
Luca Selvaggio
Editor
On Merchant Navy Day, join us in celebrating the people behind the Red Ensign
Tuesday, 3rd September, marks Merchant Navy Day, a day to honour the men and women who serve or have served as merchant seafarers. For many years, The Seafarers’ Charity has led the call for the public and official buildings to Fly the Red Ensign on this day. This campaign aims to combat ‘sea blindness’ and raise awareness of those working under the UK Flag, ensuring the import and export of goods that keep our country moving.
Merchant Navy Day celebrates the crucial role of merchant seafarers, whose dedication kept supply lines open during the World Wars and who continue to serve as vital key workers today, ensuring essential goods reach the UK. Despite their significant contributions, these hardworking individuals often go unrecognised. This year, we have an opportunity to come together and express our gratitude.
To help raise awareness and support our annual Fly the Red Ensign campaign, we’ve created a social media toolkit. Use it to promote Merchant Navy Day and highlight the invaluable role of our merchant seafarers in both our economy and the support of the Royal Navy via the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Whether you’re organising a flag-hoisting ceremony or digitally flying the Red Ensign, please share your activities on social media using #MerchantNavyDay and tag The Seafarers’ Charity. Let’s wave the flag, both physically and digitally, to show our support.
Taking a stand against modern day slavery in fishing
The BBC documentary Disclosure – Slavery at Sea reveals the grim reality of modern-day slavery in the fishing industry. At The Seafarers’ Charity, we’ve long been working with partners to combat this issue, but as the documentary shows, victims still face systemic barriers to justice.
We urge you to watch the documentary, understand the issues, and join us in the fight to improve fishers’ welfare and end modern-day slavery.
IFFS Supports Training in South Africa & Namibia
The International Fund for Fishing Safety (IFFS) has awarded its first grant to train and support fishing vessel safety auditors in South Africa and Namibia. This project, led by the Sea Safety Bee Trust (SSBT) on behalf of the Sea Safety Training Group (SSTG), will develop a self-regulatory safety programme that meets international standards.
The funding is for training eight lead auditors through the Nautical Institute's ISM/FSM course, enhancing safety management and compliance within the fishing industry in South Africa, Namibia, and beyond.
Annual National Service for Seafarers returns to St Paul's Cathedral
Join us at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday, 9 October 2024, at 5 pm for the Annual National Service for Seafarers (ANSS), organised by The Seafarers’ Charity and Trinity House. This historic event, held annually since 1905, honours the invaluable contributions of seafarers across all maritime professions, from the Merchant and Royal Navies to fishing fleets and commercial shipping. This year, the service also celebrates the RNLI's 200th anniversary, adding a special significance to the occasion. The service is free and open to all. Register below to attend and honour those who serve at sea
Maritime Charities Group wants seafarer views on future welfare
The Maritime Charities Group (MCG) has launched a new survey to understand the challenges faced by seafarers and shape future welfare support as part of ongoing research on the demographic profile of the UK’s Merchant Navy and fishing fleet.
It will provide valuable evidence for the UK’s maritime welfare charities, giving fresh insights into the welfare needs of UK seafarers and their dependents.
This is your chance to voice your concerns and influence the services you need.
Take on a Challenge for a Cause in 2025!
Join The Seafarers' Charity in making a real difference for seafarers and their families. Push your limits and support a great cause with our exciting challenge events next year.
If you missed out on the London Marathon ballot, don’t worry! We have limited charity places available for this iconic event on 27 April. Join #TeamSeafarersKGFS and run to support seafarers in need. Apply now—places are filling up fast! Alternatively, take on the 24 Peaks Challenge from 5-6 July 2025. Summit 24 peaks in the Lake District in one of the UK's toughest mountain challenges. It’s demanding but incredibly rewarding.
Ready to take on the challenge? For more details, visit The Seafarers’ Charity website or contact our events team at events@theseafarerscharity.org or call 020 7932 5993. Don’t miss your chance to challenge yourself and support a worthy cause in 2025!
