A career at sea brings adventure, freedom, and experiences that simply can’t be found in a job on land.
It offers the chance to travel, work with cutting‑edge technology, and be part of a global industry that keeps nations moving.
Maritime work can bring its own distinctive challenges too.
Life at sea can involve extended periods away from home, family and loved ones, which can present emotional and practical challenges. Seafarers may encounter issues such as fatigue, stress, health concerns, or the need for financial and legal advice while working within a demanding and fast‑paced global environment.
In response, there has grown a network of organisations, resources and support dedicated to seafarers, fishers, retired seafarers, cadets and their families, regardless of background and nationality, across the United Kingdom.
But not everyone is aware this help is at hand.
A knowledge gap is hindering some people getting the assistance that could make a big difference.
To help close the gap, the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) provides a comprehensive online Seafarer Support directory – which has been given renewed backing by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Visitors to the Seafarer Support website are directed to resources tailored to sailors working in the UK’s Merchant Navy, fishing fleet or Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
A new section is also being added specifically to support families with advice and enabling community support and solidarity.
This valuable project has now been given renewed backing by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) whose mission is to ensure the safety of those at sea.
- Seafarer Support has been highlighted in Marine Information Note (MIN) MIN 734 (M+F), giving further details.
- The MCA Guidance app, which carries useful maritime advice and updates such as MINs, is also sending push notifications to users about Seafarer Support.
- The Seafarer Support website and reminders are being published inside the front cover of new and reprinted MCA publications.
- MCA social media channels are also promoting the resource.
Project lead Adrian Kawaguchi, Human Element Specialist at the MCA, said: “The maritime community is tightknit and supportive. But it’s not always clear where seafarers and their families can access the expert help that is out there.
“We’re backing the MNWB and its excellent Seafarer Support website as the go-to hub for assistance and advice. As well as expert help, it can now help to unlock links between seafarers and families, strengthening the maritime community further.
“The MCA will always look out for the safety of crew and passengers. With this awareness push, we hope to also close the gap between seafarers and the help and support they need.”
Sharon Coveney, Deputy Chief Executive at the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, said: “We know there is good support available for seafarers and their families, but it is not always easy to know where to start or how to access it. Seafarer Support brings that information together in one clear, accessible place, making it easier to find the right help quickly.
“The support from the MCA helps us reach more people and raise awareness of what is available, including for families who can sometimes feel cut off from the wider maritime community. By working together, we can ensure practical advice and support is easier to find and is used more widely.”
The knowledge gap was highlighted by a report published in September 2025 by the Maritime Charities Group: Seafarers 2040: Understanding UK Demographics and Welfare Needs.
It found that although many seafarers are aware of support, they often do not know how to access them. It also said families would benefit from stronger social connections and welfare networks.
The MCA is encouraging employers, training providers and ship managers to actively signpost Seafarer Support to their crews and families as part of routine welfare and safety communications.
Visit https://seafarersupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb or call freephone 0800 121 4765 (8.30am-4.30pm).
