Supporting UK Merchant Navy seafarers and their families
Merchant Navy Day
This Merchant Navy Day, 3 September, please Fly the Red Ensign to honour and remember the sacrifices of the, often forgotten and invisible, but very hard-working, Merchant Navy seafarers
Our Fly the Red Ensign on Merchant Navy Day campaign was started in 2015 to address ‘sea blindness’ that appeared to afflict a huge proportion of the population, with widespread public ignorance about the UK’s ongoing dependence on merchant seafarers who are responsible for more than 90% of the UK’s imports.
Help raise vital funds
Following the difficulties endured by many seafaring veterans, working-age seafarers, and their dependants throughout the past several years, we must reach those UK Merchant Navy veterans and seafarers who need our help, and we need your support to help us raise vital funds to do that.
Message from His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex and Forfar KG, GCVO
Please feel free to share or read out the message from HRH The Earl of Wessex, President of The Seafarers’ Charity, online or at your flag-hoisting event.
'This year’s Merchant Navy Day is a poignant one. Essentially, today is the day we remember the forgotten or invisible service; the men and women responsible for carrying up to 95% of our island nation’s trade.
Regrettably, it is only during times of war that the 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.
In this, Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, we also recognise her position as Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets as well as Patron of The Seafarers’ Charity, duties The Queen has undertaken for 70 remarkable years.'
How to send us the money you raise
Thank you very much for your fundraising. We are very grateful for your support which will provide essential help to UK merchant seafarers and their families at times of need. Here's how to pay in the money you raise:
Online
Any donations collected can be sent to the Merchant Navy Fund via our website.
In the ‘Message’ section of the online donation form, please specify this is your collection for Fly the Red Ensign campaign 2022.
By post
You can send a cheque payable to the Merchant Navy Fund to:
The Seafarers’ Charity
8 Hatherley Street
London, SW1P 2QT
Please quote your name, address and FTRE MND 2022.
Request your certificate of participation
If you would like to receive a certificate of participation (in PDF format), please email mnfund@theseafarerscharity.org
Where to purchase a 'Red Duster'
'Red Dusters' are available for purchase online from Hampshire Flag Company at www.hampshireflag.co.uk
For more information about Fly the Red Ensign for Merchant Navy Day campaign, or to order your donation boxes or car window stickers, or to let us know about your activities, please email mnfund@theseafarerscharity.org.
