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March 2026
Dear Supporter,
Welcome to the March edition of Seapost, The Seafarers' Charity's e-newsletter. We’re so grateful for your continued support and we’ve packed this edition with exciting updates and ways you can make a real difference to seafarers' lives. We hope you enjoy reading it!
Best wishes,
Luca Selvaggio
Editor
Go to Greater Heights for Seafarers
On 3–5 July, take on our flagship fundraising event, the 24 Peaks Challenge, and push your limits in support of seafarers and their families.
Covering 33 miles and 13,000 ft of ascent in the stunning Lake District, this two-day endurance challenge is as tough as it is rewarding. Choose from Gold (24 Peaks), Silver (21 Peaks), or Bronze (7 Peaks + paddleboarding) and help raise funds to make a difference in seafarers’ lives.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Please get in touch with our events team at: events@theseafarerscharity.org
Chief Executive Advocates for Seafarers' Rights
Our Chief Executive, Deborah Layde, writes in TradeWinds about the Strait of Hormuz crisis and the urgent risks faced by crews stranded on ships.
Amidst rising geopolitical tensions, seafarers remain on the front line, yet are too often overlooked. She highlights gaps in safety, threat updates and psychological support, and stresses that seafarers are “not statistics within a risk model” but individuals with families and futures.
“In an increasingly conflict-torn world, everyone should ensure that protections for seafarers work in practice as well as on paper.”
Celebrating Captain Tae-Young Lee's Heroism at Sea
On 24 February, we were honoured to welcome a South Korean delegation to our London office, including Captain Tae-Young Lee, recipient of the 2025 International Maritime Organization Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea.
In November 2024, when his fishing vessel capsized, Captain Lee rescued 12 crewmates and was the last to leave.
During the visit, we presented him with a certificate of recognition on behalf of The Seafarers’ Charity.
His courage and leadership exemplify the best of the global seafaring community.
The Seafarers' Charity recognises next generation of seafarers at UK Sailing Academy
In early March, our Chair, Paul Butterworth, attended the Superyacht Cadetship graduation at the UK Sailing Academy (UKSA) on the Isle of Wight. The Seafarers’ Charity has proudly supported UKSA’s cadetship programme for 14 years, helping students from diverse backgrounds pursue maritime careers.
This year we were delighted to award the annual "Top Cadet" prize to Dougie Maciver and support six cadets in the 2025 intake alongside The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation.
Become part of the Ecosystem of Support with a Lasting Donation
By leaving a gift in your Will to The Seafarers' Charity, you can help secure a brighter future for those who dedicate their lives to the sea whilst ensuring your wishes are respected and your loved ones are cared for.
Seafarers face dangerous conditions and long periods away from their families. Your legacy will provide them with essential support when they need it most by funding vital services such as mental health support, financial aid and emergency assistance.
Leaving a gift in your Will is a meaningful way to make a lasting difference. Your generosity will ensure seafarers continue to receive the care they deserve throughout their careers. Together, we can create an ecosystem of support that strengthens their resilience and well-being.
Celebrating Women in Maritime on International Women’s Day
On International Women’s Day, we celebrated the invaluable contribution of women across the maritime industry and reaffirmed our commitment to advancing equity, safety, and wellbeing for women at sea.
Seafaring remains a male-dominated profession, with women making up less than 2% of the global workforce. At The Seafarers’ Charity, we are committed to ensuring that the welfare and support needs of women at sea are recognised and addressed.
We are proud to fund initiatives that are making a real difference, and privileged to have inspiring women Trustees guiding our work, alongside our Chief Executive, Deborah Layde, Chair of Maritime UK’s Women in Maritime Network.
Together, these initiatives and voices are breaking barriers, fostering community, and driving change.
Celebrating Neurodiversity in the Maritime Sector
This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we’re recognising the value of and supporting neurodivergent talent across the maritime sector.
Seafarers with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia bring essential skills to life at sea. Yet many remain undiagnosed or unsupported due to long waits and high costs for formal assessments.
We’re proud to support a programme in partnership with the Seafarers Hospital Society and NeurodiversAtSea.org, offering grants to cover private diagnostic assessments for working seafarers.
Tune in to ep. 18 of Sea Views Podcast, where Daniel Smith, founder of NeurodiversAtSea, explains how neurodiversity drives innovation and stronger crews.
Read the case study on our website to see how the programme provides faster, confidential assessments and vital support.
