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November 2025
Dear Supporter,
Welcome to the November 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
This Christmas, your generosity can make double the difference for seafarers and their families. From 2–9 December, every donation to The Seafarers’ Charity through the Big Give Christmas Challenge will be matched £1 for £1, meaning your gift goes twice as far!
Seafarers work unseen, isolated, and far from home, especially over the festive season. Many face stress-related illness, poor mental health, or crisis situations. Your support helps fund urgent health and wellbeing projects, including mental health care, crisis response, and financial guidance, delivered by trusted maritime welfare charities.
Mark your calendar: the Big Give challenge runs from 2–9 December! Together, we can provide a lifeline to seafarers this festive season.
Partnering for Safer Seas: UK Harbour Masters Association Autumn Conference
Last week, we were proud to partner with the United Kingdom Harbour Masters Association at their autumn conference in London. We are grateful to the delegates for their generosity, donating nearly £2,000 in support of seafarers and their families.
Mark Ashley Miller promoted his book, and key contributors - including Herbosch-Kiere Ltd and participants in the Port-2-Port 2025 challenge - were recognised for their support of seafarers and their families. A special thank you to Martin Willis, who received his Merchant Navy Medal on the same day, and to the UKHMA team.
Deborah Layde Sworn in as Younger Brother of Trinity House
Deborah Layde, Chief Executive of The Seafarers’ Charity, has been sworn in as a Younger Brother of Trinity House.
Over the years, Deborah has worked closely with Trinity House on initiatives including joint funding of maritime projects, membership of the Maritime Charities Group, and co-organising the Annual National Service for Seafarers at St Paul’s Cathedral.
She described it as a “complete honour” to be accepted into the Brotherhood and expressed her commitment to continue supporting the seafaring community through her work.
For our latest 'Charity of the Month' feature, we caught up with Dan Smith, founder of NeurodiversAtSea.
For many seafarers, getting a diagnosis for conditions such as autism or dyslexia can feel almost impossible. That barrier can keep people living in silence. But now, with support from The Seafarers’ Charity, NeurodiversAtSea is enabling seafarers to access private assessments and unlock life-changing diagnoses.
Are you ready to take on the 24 Peaks challenge?
Watch the video to see highlights from our friends at BMT, who took part in last edition of our flagship event The 24 Peaks Challenge, raising nearly £13,000 in support of seafarers and their families.
Over two days, participants tackle 24 peaks across the stunning Lake District, covering 33 miles and climbing a staggering 13,000 ft - testing endurance, teamwork and determination.
Whether you choose the Gold 24 Peaks, Silver 21 Peaks, or Bronze 7 Peaks, it’s a truly unforgettable challenge. Watch the highlights from BMT’s 2025 adventure and see the highs, the hills, and the incredible team spirit in action!
Think you’re ready for the 2026 edition?
Sea Views #21 Bulk Carriers: The Hidden Workhorses of the Sea!
In this episode, hosts Julia Gosling and Adam Parnell speak with Matt Shirley (CEO) and Marco Blanco (CFO) of Safe Harbours Australia. Veteran maritime pilots leading a consultancy reshaping bridge team management and port safety worldwide, they share why bulk carriers are the “workhorses of the sea” and how Australia became a hub for these vessels.
They also explore how Safe Harbours trains bridge teams for high-stakes decision-making, lessons from the “Ships of Shame” era, and why communication, leadership, and valuing crews over treating them as commodities drives excellence.
Honouring Those Lost at Sea: Remembrance Sunday
On Remembrance Sunday, our Chief Executive, Deborah Layde, attended the service at Trinity House Square Gardens and laid The Seafarers’ Charity wreath in memory of those who have no grave but the sea.
The Merchant Navy Memorial honours the brave men and women of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who gave their lives in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts.
A poignant occasion to remember and pay tribute to all who sacrificed so much for the freedom we enjoy today.
Helping Fishing Into The Future Shape Their Future
This autumn, we were delighted to support Fishing Into The Future (FITF) with their board development days, helping strengthen governance and plan for future growth. Our funding brought their board together with experienced trainers to guide the sessions.
Hosted at Fishmongers’ Hall, FITF appreciated the inspiring space to shape their strategy. Emma Plotnek, Executive Director, said: "We really appreciate The Seafarers’ Charity team for encouraging and supporting us, and a big thank you to Fishmongers’ Hall crew who hosted us – we feel so lucky for this opportunity."
We look forward to continuing our partnership as FITF grows and thrives.
Honouring Caribbean Maritime Heritage
We were proud to have our colleague Fredrick Odhiambo Onono, a Royal Navy veteran, represent The Seafarers’ Charity at the Caribbean Heroes Flag-Raising Ceremony aboard HMS Belfast on 22 October.
The event, part of the Windrush Anchor Heritage Education Programme founded by award-winner Rudi Page FRSA, celebrated Caribbean maritime heritage, honoured the legacy of the Windrush Generation, and recognised the civic contributions and wellbeing of veterans.
It was a privilege to see Freddy represent our charity and join others in commemorating the shared history, courage, and cultural heritage that continue to shape Britain today.
Deborah Layde Calls on Industry to Focus on the Next Generation
In an exclusive SAFETY4SEA interview, Deborah Layde highlights the rapidly evolving skills required of #seafarers, the importance of proper sleep onboard, and the need for the #maritime industry to step up in supporting and recruiting the next generation.
From mastering decarbonisation and digitalisation to ensuring proper rest with high-quality mattresses and ear defenders, the needs of modern seafarers are changing fast. Deborah calls on industry stakeholders to take consistent action to improve working conditions and attract new talent.
"Seafarers make the world go round. It’s not enough just to try to retain the seafarers the world has. We should also be focused on recruiting the next generation." – Deborah Layde, Chief Executive, The Seafarers’ Charity
