Guild of Benevolence (IMarEST)

Guild of Benevolence (IMarEST)

What this organisation does

The Guild of Benevolence is the partner charity of IMarEST. It provides financial assistance and welfare support to people in need within the marine community and to their dependants worldwide. Support is tailored to individual hardship situations and considered on a case-by-case basis. 
The charity may be relevant to seafarers, marine engineers, maritime professionals and their families who are experiencing financial hardship, unexpected expenses or difficulties meeting essential living costs.

Who can use the service

The Guild of Benevolence may support:
  • Current or former marine professionals who have worked as engineers, scientists or technologists within the marine sector at a level eligible for IMarEST membership as a Fellow, Member or Associate. 
  • Dependants of eligible marine professionals, including spouses, partners, widows, widowers, dependent children and other dependent relatives. 
  • Holders or former holders of relevant marine engineering Certificates of Competency or Service issued by recognised administrations or equivalent authorities.
  • Marine engineers who hold or have held STCW Convention equivalent Class 1 or Class 2 Certificates of Competency issued by an IMO-recognised national maritime authority or certification agency. 
  • Past and present members or employees of IMarEST or the Guild of Benevolence. 
The charity supports those in need within the marine community and their dependants globally. 

Support available

The Guild of Benevolence provides assistance that is tailored to the circumstances of each applicant. Support may include:

Home repairs and essential goods

  • Assistance with essential home repairs and restorations.
  • One-off grants towards necessary household items and white goods. 

Help with debt and other expenses

  • Assistance with debt relief.
  • Contributions towards respite care costs.
  • Support with funeral expenses in appropriate circumstances. 

Regular financial support

  • Regular grants for beneficiaries who have very low incomes and require ongoing assistance. 

Residential care fee support

  • Help towards shortfalls in nursing home or residential care fees.

Study Grant

  • A dedicated Guild of Benevolence Study Grant is available for individuals working towards the MCA Certificate of Competency Management Level III/2 Engineering Knowledge qualification. 

Features and benefits

The Guild of Benevolence can help eligible applicants by:
  • Providing practical financial assistance during periods of hardship.
  • Helping meet essential household and living costs.
  • Supporting access to necessary care and accommodation.
  • Assisting with urgent or unexpected expenses.
  • Offering support to both maritime professionals and their dependants.
  • Making assistance available internationally across the marine community. 
Because support is considered individually, assistance can be adapted to the applicant's specific circumstances and needs.

How to get help

  1. Visit the official Guild of Benevolence webpage.
  2. Review the eligibility information to confirm that you or your family member meet the criteria.
  3. Access the "Apply for Help" route provided by the charity.
  4. Prepare information about your circumstances and financial need.
  5. Submit your application and any supporting information requested by the Guild. 

Things to check before contacting them

Before making an application, it may be helpful to have:
  • Details of your maritime career or professional qualifications.
  • Information confirming your relationship to an eligible marine professional if applying as a dependant.
  • Evidence of financial hardship or the expenses for which support is being requested.
  • Information about any grants, benefits or support already received from other organisations.
Applicants should follow the charity's current application guidance and requirements.