Seafarers Seaview Winter 2022/23

At our last Annual Meeting, I was delighted to be announced as the new Chief Executive of The Seafarers’ Charity. My links to both the Royal Navy and fishing fleets run through my family and my blood. I have a life-long respect, and now hold a huge responsibility too, for our Charity, with its rich history.

Indeed, I am in awe of HM King George V’s vision, who instituted the title of Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets and changed the name of Mercantile Marine to Merchant Navy, to give parity to Britain’s merchant mariners with the armed forces; thereby recognising the record of both in peacetime and during war.

Our nation is reliant on both UK and international seafarers to bring goods to our shore and into our shops. Unseen and unheard this essential workforce is largely ignored by most, despite the fantastic work of both Trade Unions and shipping bodies highlighting that seafarers are keyworkers and, in my view heroes, of international trade and shipping.

recently those affected by conflict in Ukraine, and cost of living crisis.

Looking to the future as Chief Executive I’m keen to build a strong, impactful, and efficient charity. A charity that truly makes a difference to the safety and welfare of seafarers, and a charity you can be proud to support. Alongside our traditional role as grant funders, we are increasingly using advocacy and research – aiming to ensure fewer seafarers and their families endure hardships.

The Seafarers’ Charity

8 Hatherley Street, London SW1P 2QT t 020 7932 0000 e contact@theseafarerscharity.org w theseafarerscharity.org

An audio version of Seaview is available. Please email contact@theseafarerscharity.org or call 020 7932 0000 to request your copy.

Stay in touch

The Seafarers’ Charity is a Registered Charity, no. 226446 in England and Wales, incorporated under Royal Charter. Registered in Scotland, no. SC038191.

Registered Office: 8 Hatherley Street, London SW1P 2QT.

President: His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex and Forfar KG, GCVO

Chair of the General Council: Paul Butterworth AFNI

Chief Executive: Deborah Layde

Our support of Mission to Seafarers, ISWAN, Sailors’ Society, Stella Maris, Shipwrecked Mariners Society, Seafarers’ Advice and Information Line, Fishermen’s Mission and many other frontline charities is significant and enduring. In the last three years, we have awarded over £10 million in grant funding supporting seafarers through the COVID-19 pandemic and more

Warm welcome

I want to express my thanks to you, our supporters, who play such a vital role in supporting the safety and welfare of all who work at sea. Whether you’re a regular or an occasional donor or signed up for our Will writing service or pledged to leave a legacy, or sponsored someone raising funds for us, or ran a marathon or hiked a peak, or remembered us on Merchant Navy Day… thank you. Your support enables seafarers to access a range of our funded services – such as professional advice on employment contracts and relationships onboard, pastoral, emotional and practical help, or essential debt advice and accommodation.

I hope that 2023 brings more visibility and support for seafarers in many ways.

Deborah Layde, Chief Executive, The Seafarers’ Charity

We are delighted to welcome five new Trustees to the Charity: Captain Lee Clarke, Debbie Cavaldoro, Martyn Gray, Mrs Fleur Bassett (Surgeon Commodore Fleur Marshall KHP RN) and Nigel Blazeby.

Paul Butterworth AFNI, Chair of the General Council said: ‘I am excited to welcome new colleagues as we continue to diversify the General Council and draw together the very best talent the industry has to offer.’

Receive Seaview straight to your inbox

If you’re reading our printed magazine, did you know that you could be receiving your copy of Seaview straight to your inbox, as soon as it becomes available?

To let us know you’d like to receive future editions of Seaview by email, get in touch via: contact@theseafararescharity.org

Trustee awarded prestigious Merchant Navy Medal

Congratulations to our Trustee, Robert Greenwood, for being awarded the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service last September.

The award recognises his considerable dedication over many years to improving safety and welfare in the fishing industry; one of the most dangerous professions in the world.

Robert said: ‘It’s a great honour to receive the Merchant Navy Medal. More must be done to encourage the future leaders in health, safety and welfare.’

Supporting diversity in the maritime sector

Our Charity is committed to increasing awareness of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) throughout the maritime sector.

Since 2019, we have offered grants of £5,000 to support maritime welfare charities with governance and diversity reviews and in 2022, we further strengthened our commitment to closing the diversity and inclusion gaps within our workforce.

Last year, we were delighted to have been accepted as the first maritime welfare charity to join 13 other organisations on Maritime UK’s Diversity in Maritime Charter. The announcement followed the revision of our EDI 2020-25 action plan, and the release of the ‘Coming out’ toolkit.

Deborah Layde, the Chief Executive of The Seafarers’ Charity, was also announced as Chair of Maritime UK’s Women in Maritime Network.

Remembering those who lost their lives

On Sunday 13 November 2022 Deborah Layde took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Merchant Navy Memorial at London’s Tower Hill to mark Remembrance Sunday.

The Memorial commemorates 36,000 merchant seafarers and fishers, aged 13 to 74 of more than 100 nationalities, who lost their lives in British service during both World Wars and the Falklands Conflict and have no grave but the sea.

The Seafarers’ Charity’s staff-led EDI group, established in 2020.

Thank you, your Majesty, for being part of the seafaring family

Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch and Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets, and the Patron of The Seafarers’ Charity for over 70 years, passed away on 8 September 2022.

Our Charity, established in 1917, was supported by Her Majesty’s grandfather, King George V, who gave us our original name, King George’s Fund for Sailors (KGFS). Queen Elizabeth II was involved with our Charity through a number of public engagements before becoming our Patron in 1952, ahead of her Coronation.

Paul Butterworth AFNI, Chair of The Seafarers’ Charity’s General Council, said: ‘The late Queen Elizabeth’s kindness, care, and interest in all matters, particularly those of the sea as Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets, will never be forgotten by those whose lives she touched, either directly or indirectly. May she rest in peace.’

Book of Condolence and Remembrance

Thank you to everyone who left a message of condolence, sharing recollections of our late Patron during a seafaring career or in relation to our Charity. If you haven’t yet left a message, and would still like to send in your contribution, please email: marcomms@theseafarerscharity.org

Ma’am, thank you for your dedication to our armed services, which I was proud to serve. Your legacy will never be forgotten and nor will you. May you rest in peace and rise in glory.’

Geoffrey Annetta Moore

For all my working life you have been both, our sovereign and Master of the Merchant and fishing fleets. I have served the flag faithfully. Your watch is now done. Rest in peace, your Majesty.’

Peter Reynolds

With thanks for your continued service and dedication to our country and commonwealth. Baruch Dayan Ha meet.’

Natalie Shaw MBE, Trustee, The Seafarers’ Charity

Thank you, your Majesty, for your stalwart support for your nation’s seafarers. Your Patronage has been the defining element in the success enjoyed by King George’s Fund for Sailors. May you Rest in peace and rise in glory.’

Duncan Glass, Vice President, The Seafarers’ Charity

The longest-reigning British monarch has been a pillar of stability. I was fortunate enough to be placed onboard a British registered vessel as my first ship as an Officer Cadet, whereby the comforting presence of the portrait of Her Majesty was a small slice of home comfort in quite an alien environment.’

Martyn Gray, Trustee, The Seafarers’ Charity

Paul Butterworth, Chair of the Charity’s General Council, and Fredrick Onono, Finance Business Partner at the Charity, represented our Trustees and staff at the state funeral of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

£15,000 was awarded to Hounds for Heroes to contribute towards the costs of acquisition, training, and matching of assistance dogs to Merchant Navy personnel, wounded British Armed Forces and Emergency Services men and women.

£30,000 was awarded to Fighting with Pride to support the health and wellbeing of LGBT+ veterans, service personnel and their families – in particular, those most impacted by the ban on LGBT+ personnel serving in the Armed Forces prior to January 2000.

2022 marked the 40th anniversary of the Falkland Islands conflict. £2,220 was awarded to the South Atlantic Medal Association 1982 to support the costs of a commemorative event for those merchant seafarers who served in the conflict, 350 of whom were supported by our funding.

The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine continues

Thanks to an incredible level of support, the Seafarers International Relief Fund (SIRF) Ukraine raised over £350,000 in donations to-date to support seafarers and their families affected by the crisis.

Since March 2022, SIRF has awarded over £330,000 in grants to deliver emergency support for seafarers, funding a wide range of essential human welfare needs, including shelter, food, water, transport, access to medical services, as well as providing hardship grants for those in greatest need. The struggle is far from over for many Ukrainian seafarers, as they remain onboard whilst their families flee to safety, or seek work to support their loved ones during the crisis. SIRF wishes to express its sincere thanks for all donations that have been received to-date since the launch of the SIRF Ukraine Appeal. Without your generous support, we couldn’t help so many seafarers devastated by the crisis and their families. Thank you.

‘Your help assisted us a lot. We highly appreciate your help to us and other seamen suffering from war.’ - a seafarer who was made homeless after his house was destroyed in an attack.

Communication with my family was completely lost for almost two weeks. I did not know where they were and what was happening to them. Are they alive? Do they have food and water?’

Ukrainian seafarer working onboard when he heard that his family was caught up in the war back at home

Grants awarded to support seafarers affected by the conflict were:

£236,476* was awarded to the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network to help provide financial support to seafarers and their families from Kharkov, Kherson, Mariupol, Donetsk, and Nikolayev regions. 569 beneficiaries were paid up to US$500 each to cover medical bills, children’s educational support, rent deposits, living and transport costs.

£84,700 was awarded to Stella Maris to provide accommodation for 44 people at Stella Maris’ Recreation Centre at Kashuby, Gydnia, Poland. The Centre also provides regular meals, a dedicated space for online learning with free access to the Internet, and SIM cards to keep in contact with loved ones.

*£96,385

People were left without food, water, medicine, and financial support. Numerous families were forced to hide in bomb shelters for a long time. We had to collect information about the need required, unite everyone around us, and turn to all our international partners for support.’

Antonina

Shkamerda,

Director of MORTRANS

£108,700 was awarded to The Welfare Fund of Maritime Transport, ’MORTRANS’ (established by the Marine Transport Workers’ Trade Union of Ukraine), to help pay for transport, rent deposits and other basic needs of affected seafarers, including shelter, food, water and medical services.

To learn more about the Seafarers International Relief Fund, visit: www.seafarersinternationalrelieffund.org

awarded from The Seafarers’ Charity’s own funding

Were you home for Christmas?

It’s a common question asked to seafarers this time of year. Those who were working tried to wind up their contracts to get home to their families, but many couldn’t. Some need the money. Some have nowhere they can call home.

The cost-of-living crisis is hitting families across the country, especially the most vulnerable. People are struggling to survive and cutting back is simply not enough. We are rolling out an emergency programme to fund urgently needed support for seafarers and their families in the UK during this intensely difficult time. And we need your help.

Joe worked at sea for more than 50 years. He is now retired and lives on his own in a council flat. He has survived on his pension, but the rising cost of living has made him desperate. ‘I just needed help. Food is so expensive and most of the supermarkets are the same. I remember when I could afford a weekly shop on what I had but now, it’s just too much.’

Joe called Seafarers’ Advice & Information Line (SAIL) to find out if he was entitled to any benefits to help with his living costs. They reviewed his case and found that he was. His advisor helped him successfully apply for a housing benefit and a council tax reduction. ‘It is such a relief, knowing I can afford to heat the house and buy food every week.’

The Seafarers’ Charity supports organisations like SAIL who provide seafarers like Joe with the advice they need to improve their lives and remove disadvantage and hardship.

Our innovative emergency programme will make a real difference to people like Joe caught in difficult situations because of the cost-of-living crisis who need a helping hand. It offers immediate support in the areas that will have the most impact. This year, it is estimated that more than 1.5 million households in the UK will have to face the choice between heating and eating. Our innovative programme gives you the opportunity to make a difference now.

How you can help

Please donate what you can by completing the donation form attached, by scanning the QR code, or visiting: https://donate. theseafarerscharity.org/ChristmasAppeal2022

Thank you

If you have already made a donation, thank you for your kind generosity.

Working conditions for fishing crew

We have partnered with the University of Nottingham’s Rights Lab to carry out a research survey to better understand the reality of working conditions for fishing crew across the UK.

The research, published in May 2022, identified systematic labour exploitation of migrant workers to working conditions that are not in line with the requirements of the International Labour Organization Work in Fishing Convention No.188, and revealed shocking incidences of abhorrent and illegal treatment of migrant workers in the UK fishing industry.

Key research findings include:

• 5% of the fishing crew in the study reported suffering regular physical violence

• 60% of the surveyed crew reported working a minimum of 16 hours per shift and 1/3 reported working more than 20 hours per shift

• 30% of the fishing crew in the study reported that they never received 10 hours of rest.

To learn more about the research, scan the QR code or visit: www.theseafarerscharity.org/what-we-do/our-influence/ fairness-in-fishing

A Safety Net for UK merchant seafarers

In partnership with the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, we have responded to the cost-of-living crisis with new free resources to support UK seafarers. The ‘Safety Net’ website is a vital one-stop-shop providing bespoke information and support for all UK seafarers and their families on how to budget and manage their money during the current crisis and in the future, as well as relationship and mental health support.

Scan the QR code to learn more or visit: www.seafarersafetynet.org

per

A new safety film for fishing vessels goes live

Our Charity aims to make working at sea safer for all and ensuring fishers can work and return home safely from voyages is a big part of that.

In partnership with the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, and supported by the Fishing Industry Safety Group, The Seafarers’ Charity funded the development of a new film aimed at helping fishing vessel owners to prepare for their MCA inspection following changes to the regulations for fishing vessels under 15 metres.

Scan the QR code to watch the film, or visit: www.theseafarerscharity.org/ news/the-seafarers-charity-fundssafety-film-for-fishing-vessels

24 Peaks Challenge is back

Following two years of cancellations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our signature Lake District event was back on 2 and 3 July 2022 and welcomed 89 participants, who made up 15 teams from seven companies.

The event raised over £60,000 for our Charity and we would like to thank each and every one of our participants for their amazing effort. Photos and a video of the event are available, so please let us know if you would like to see them.

Planning for this year’s 24 Peaks Challenge has already begun and it is set to take place on 1 and 2 July. We have had a large number of applicants, so if you, or your organisation, would like to register, please let us know by emailing: events@theseafarerscharity.org or visit our website: www.theseafarerscharity.org/events/24-peakschallenge-2023

Congratulations to our latest lottery winner!

Maurice Lake, a Port Chaplain at Lighthouse Seafarers Mission in Stanley, Falkland Islands, recently won £500 in our Charity lottery.

He said: ‘I was totally delighted! Having worked for seafaring charities for 15 years now, most of it at the Lighthouse Seafarers Mission, I always had tremendous support for The Seafarers’ Charity.

‘We would not be able to provide all that we do in terms of materials, services and welfare to the many seafarers coming into Stanley, without their valued help. To have won this £500 means that our grandchildren back in the UK will have some extra treats’.

We are pleased for Maurice and his family and extremely grateful for his kind words and continued support of our cause.

Our runners take on London Marathon

Despite the date changes of last year’s London Marathon, we were delighted to have 19 runners taking part in this iconic event in October, all of whom crossed the finish line, and raised just under £28,000 for our Charity. All of our runners, and their families, were welcome to relax after the marathon on the HQS Wellington, and we would like to thank all of the team at the venue, and The Honourable Company of Master Mariners for their continued support.

This year’s London Marathon will take place on Sunday 23 April. Registrations are still open and if you would like to be considered for a place, or if you would like to volunteer as a cheerleader on the day, please email: events@ theseafarerscharity.org or visit our website: www. theseafarerscharity.org/events/london-marathon-2023

Scan the QR code for your chance to win £25,000 at our weekly lottery or visit: www.theseafarerscharity.org/ get-involved/our-lottery

Flying the Flag for our Merchant Navy

For the seventh year, Merchant Navy Day, 3 September, saw Red Ensigns being flown ashore on civic buildings and flagpoles in public places across the UK, thanks to a campaign led by The Seafarers’ Charity to raise awareness of our dependence on past and present merchant seafarers. The annual campaign encourages individuals and organisations to fly the British Merchant Navy’s official flag to recognise the efforts of those who kept Britain afloat during both world wars and the Falklands conflict and raise wider awareness of the ‘invisible and forgotten’ seafarers who work daily to deliver over 90% of the UK’s imports.

Donations to the Charity’s Merchant Navy Fund can also be made, enabling the organisation to continue

its support for UK Merchant Navy seafarers in need.

Last year, The Merchant Navy Fund celebrated its tenth anniversary. Set up as a collaboration between The Seafarers’ Charity and the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, over the past decade, the Fund received more than £720,000 in donations and distributed over £700,000 in grants supporting UK serving or retired Merchant Navy seafarers.

Regrettably, it is only during times of war that the Merchant Navy service enters our consciousness, whether that be the Second World War or the Falklands War 40 years ago. It may be a civilian service, but it ranks on the same level as the Armed Forces because of its critical role.’

President of The Seafarers’ Charity, HRH Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex and Forfar KG, GCVO

To learn more about the Fly the Red Ensign campaign or the Merchant Navy Fund, visit: www.merchantnavyfund.org

The Annual National Service for Seafarers returned

The Annual National Service for Seafarers returned to St Paul’s Cathedral in London on 12 October 2022 after a two-year hiatus. The Princess Royal along with representatives from across the maritime professions, youth organisations and veterans’ associations joined together to commemorate and celebrate all seafarers in this very special event. The attendance was free of charge and we thank everyone who made a voluntary donation. This year, the Service will take place on 11 October. For more information, email: ANSS@theseafarerscharity.org

The Seafarers’ Charity’s Trustee, Duncan Bain, at a Red Ensign hoisting ceremony at Waverley Borough Council.

A gift in your Will

Around the world, an estimated 1.6 million seafarers, of which 23,000 are active UK seafarers, are exposed to the hazards of a life at sea. Gruelling physical labour, antisocial hours, no guarantee of a stable income, and months of isolation.

After providing for your family and friends, a gift in your Will can help hardworking seafarers and their families live dignified lives free of hardship long into the future.

To learn more about how to leave a gift in your Will, contact: legacies@theseafarerscharity.org

In Memoriam

We’d like to thank the families and friends of those recently deceased, who have chosen to support The Seafarers’ Charity in their memory and for thinking of our Charity in such a special way.

We would also like to thank those people who have chosen to make a quiet personal remembrance of a friend or relative anonymously. We may not have their names, but we acknowledge them all with honour and respect.

Mr John Adams

Lieutenant Commander Gordon Hugh Bailey

Mr Robert Banister

Mr Graham Birch

Mr Leslie W Browne Edward Cahill

Peter F Cheyne

David H Cooke

Lieutenant Commander Michael J Cox RD* RNR (Rtd)

Captain William Stanley Dockeray

Mr Kenny Froud

Mr John Goodall

Roy Gravett

Mrs Eileen Greenacre

Mrs Catherine H Hepburn Doris Hewitt

Mr Michael J Hitchcock

Lieutenant Commander Maurice Hogg

Commander Victor David Jeffreson OBE RN

Florence Joiner

Sidney Jordan

Mr Peter Knight

M K Lee

Harry Lovestone Gary Marcham

Mr Frank Purser

Mrs Annie Reader Jack Robson

Commander Michael G Roope

Mrs Norma E Ross

Mr Norman Routledge

Mrs Pamela J Syms

Colin Walters

Ms Sally Westwood Mr Anthony Wilson Dorothy E Wrathall

Donating or fundraising in memory of a loved one is a very special way to celebrate and honour their life while supporting seafarers in need and their families. If you want to find out how you can make a donation online, by post or by phone, or if you would like to set up an online tribute page, please contact Rory Warwick by emailing contact@theseafarerscharity.org

We would like to pay tribute to our former Finance Director, Mr John Sharpe, who passed away in 2022. In his Will, Mr Sharpe left us a kind £1,000 legacy for which we are very grateful and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

The magazine of The Seafarers’ Charity • theseafarerscharity.org