Seafarer & Fisher Support

Shipwrecked Mariners' Society

Shipwrecked Mariners' Society


Contact Details

Charity Number: 212034

Contact: Grants Team

Address: 1 North Pallant, Chichester, West Sussex

Postcode: PO19 1TL

Phone: 01243 787761

Fax: 01243 530853

Website: www.shipwreckedmariners.org.uk

Email: grants@shipwreckedmariners.org.uk

 

Supporting Seafarers, Fishers and Their Families in Times of Need

Life at sea brings unique personal and financial uncertainties. Accidents, sudden illness, unemployment, loss of life, or the challenges of retirement can leave seafarers, fishers, and their dependants facing severe financial hardship.

The Shipwrecked Mariners' Society is a long-standing national maritime charity dedicated to providing financial help and practical support to merchant seafarers, fishermen, and their dependants who are experiencing poverty, distress, or crisis.

For maritime workers and their families, knowing where to turn during unexpected emergencies or prolonged hardship can provide vital stability and peace of mind.

What is the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society?

Founded in 1839, the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society (officially The Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners' Royal Benevolent Society) is one of the UK’s primary benevolent charities supporting the seafaring community. Operating nationwide through a network of local volunteers known as Honorary Agents, the charity responds to thousands of calls for help every year.

The programme provides:

  • Immediate crisis grants for emergency situations or bereavement.

  • Regular ongoing financial grants for individuals in long-term hardship.

  • One-off grants for essential household items, repairs, or mobility equipment.

  • Emergency assistance to seafarers shipwrecked or stranded on the coasts of the UK and Ireland.

  • Signposting and assistance with statutory benefit claims.

Why is Financial and Practical Support Important for Seafarers?

Working in the fishing fleet or Merchant Navy often involves unpredictable income, hazardous working conditions, and physical strain. When injury, sudden disability, or job loss occurs, maritime workers may find themselves without a financial safety net.

Seafarers and their families may face particular hardship when:

  • A working family member suffers an accident, injury, or death at sea or ashore.

  • Income drops significantly due to illness, forced retirement, or sector redundancy.

  • Essential home maintenance, heating costs, or mobility equipment become unaffordable.

  • Navigating complex state benefit systems during a life transition or health crisis.

  • Foreign or domestic seafarers are shipwrecked or stranded away from home.

Services and Resources Available

Immediate Crisis and Bereavement Grants

In the event of a tragic death or urgent crisis, the Society provides swift financial grants to widows, partners, or dependants to help cover immediate living expenses and funeral costs.

Regular and One-off Financial Grants

For retired or permanently disabled seafarers living on low incomes, regular quarterly grants help supplement basic living expenses. One-off special grants are also awarded to pay for critical needs such as boiler replacements, stairlifts, household appliances, or rent arrears.

Shipwrecked and Emergency Coastal Relief

The charity maintains its founding tradition by offering immediate practical assistance—including shelter, food, clothing, and transport—to crew members of any nationality shipwrecked on UK or Irish shores.

Nationwide Network of Honorary Agents

A network of local volunteers across coastal and inland regions provides a compassionate contact point to assist applicants with paperwork, assess needs, and offer local signposting.

Benefits for Seafarers and Families

Accessing support through the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society can help:

  • Relieve Financial Strain: Direct grant support helps clear debt, meet daily living costs, and fund necessary household items.

  • Maintain Independence and Dignity: Funding for mobility aids, home adaptions, and heating helps elderly or disabled maritime veterans live safely at home.

  • Support Bereaved Families: Immediate compassionate grants offer vital relief to families coping with the sudden loss of a breadwinner.

  • Uncover Entitlements: Guidance from the charity helps beneficiaries claim statutory benefits they might otherwise miss out on.

  • Restore Peace of Mind: Knowing that dedicated maritime welfare assistance is available significantly reduces worry during times of illness or retirement.

Who Can Use This Service?

The Society’s financial support is available to individuals based in the UK or Ireland who have a background in the maritime industry, including:

  • Retired or former Merchant Navy personnel.

  • Retired or former commercial fishermen.

  • Seafarers unable to work due to illness, disability, or accident.

  • Widows, widowers, partners, and dependants of eligible seafarers or fishers.

  • Active seafarers of any nationality who are shipwrecked on British or Irish coasts.

When Should You Use the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society?

Consider contacting or referring someone to this resource if:

  • You or a family member served in the Merchant Navy or fishing industry and are struggling financially.

  • A seafarer family member has passed away and the family needs immediate support or assistance with funeral expenses.

  • An unexpected emergency or repair (e.g., heating failure, roof repair, medical equipment) cannot be afforded.

  • You are an aging or disabled former seafarer living on a limited fixed income.

  • You need assistance identifying financial advice, statutory benefit entitlements, or local support.



Tags: grants; crisis; financial support; hardship