Working at sea can be a lonely and dangerous profession. At Seafarers UK we recognise the unique challenges seafarers endure. We want to ensure that although seafarers are far out at sea, they, and their families, are supported; particularly in times of need. Seafarers UK achieves the objects of our Royal Charter by campaigning and providing grant funding to partners to deliver welfare and support services to seafarers and their families which help them to thrive and live their best lives.
Our ten point manifesto for seafarers sets out our aspirations for seafarers’ safety and welfare before, during and after their seafaring career. In partnership with others, Seafarers UK will use its grant funding and advocate on behalf of seafarers so that all seafarers can:
- Be kept safe and return from their seafaring voyages without experiencing accident or harm
- Be supported to train and develop careers working at sea
- Take care of their families and dependants during long periods away from home
- Feel less lonely or isolated when working at sea, through maintaining connections with family and friends ashore, as well as having access to on board initiatives
- Access free, high quality welfare services, which respond to seafarers and their families’ needs with respect and dignity and engage their views on the design and development of services
- Access independent advice, information and support via their preferred delivery channels such as face-to-face, telephone, web chat, digital tools, social media or self-help literature
- Be provided with regular welfare breaks in respect of hours of work, shore leave, length of journey, etc. in order to reduce fatigue and to maintain their health and wellbeing
- Thrive and have their uniqueness respected within a culturally diverse working environment without fear of bullying or harassment. This includes equality of opportunity and respecting language, food, religion, and behavioural differences
- Transition from sea to shore. This includes supporting the provision of accommodation and other welfare and support services aimed at adjusting from working at sea
- Obtain dignity in retirement through access to financial security, appropriate accommodation and a network of support from maritime welfare charities.
- Seafarers UK is a leading grant funder of charitable services supporting the safety and welfare needs of seafarers and their families. Every year over £2m is awarded in grant funding to a range of different partners delivering services to support seafarers and their families when in stormy seas.
Through providing grant funding to organisations, Seafarers UK achieves its Royal Charter objects to support:
- The relief of seafarers, their families or dependents, who are in need.
- The education and training of people of any age to prepare for work or service at sea.
- The promotion of the efficiency and effectiveness of the maritime charitable sector within the Commonwealth.
- The promotion of safety at sea.
- There are many ways you can help us to achieve our aspirations to support the safety and welfare of seafarers:
Donate
Fundraise
Campaign
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