A pioneering campaign designed to transform standards and recognise the vital contribution of seafarers will be marked at a special event tonight (Wednesday, July 1st).
Port authorities, charities, shipowners, commercial organisations and trade unions from across the maritime sector will gather at Norton Rose Fulbright to pledge their support for the Seafarer Pledge, an initiative that honours the UK’s Merchant Navy and those at sea.
Inspired by the Armed Forces Covenant, the Seafarer Pledge sets out a shared commitment to recognise and respect seafarers whose skill, professionalism and service sustain everyday life and keep the UK connected to the world. Seafarers often work globally, far from home and under demanding conditions, yet their contribution can go unseen.
Hosted by Captain Sir Ian McNaught, President of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB), the event marks an important moment in bringing the Pledge to the wider maritime community.
The evening will bring together senior leaders from across the sector to recognise the contribution of seafarers and the organisations backing this work.
MNWB Deputy CEO Sharon Coveney and maritime consultant Steven Jones, who are the driving force behind the Pledge, will address guests on how it has been shaped through industry consultation, what it includes, and how it will work in practice.
“We are delighted to reach this point after months of hard work and engagement with the industry,” said Sharon Coveney on behalf of MNWB, the umbrella charity for the UK Merchant Navy and fishing fleets, representing 47 member charities and serving as the UK’s National Seafarers’ Welfare Board.
“At its heart is a simple but powerful principle: those who work at sea should not sit at the margins of the industry they sustain. Seafarers underpin global trade, national resilience and economic prosperity, yet their role is often least visible when everything is working well.
“This Pledge creates a clear and shared framework for organisations to demonstrate their commitment in ways that are both visible and meaningful.”
Steven added: “As one of the driving forces behind this work, I’ve seen how strongly the industry feels about the need for change. This Pledge is about turning that intent into clear, practical action.
“Seafarers are fundamental to global trade, yet too often their contribution is out of sight and undervalued. By coming together behind a shared commitment, we are saying clearly that this must change.
“The Seafarer Pledge gives organisations a way to demonstrate leadership, raise standards and ensure that seafarers are properly respected, supported and given the opportunities they deserve, both at sea and ashore.”
Organisations signing the Pledge will be encouraged to take practical steps, including strengthening career pathways, supporting transitions between sea and shore roles, and raising awareness of maritime skills.
High-profile organisations and charities have already signed the Pledge including;
90 POE, Associated British Ports, Alabaré, Care Ashore, IDWAL, IMarEST, Isle of Man Maritime, Isle of Man Ship Registry, Liverpool Pilotage Services Limited, Marine Society and Sea Cadets, Merchant Navy Welfare Board, Nautilus International, OneOcean, Propeller Club, Spinnaker, Stella Maris, The Merchant Navy Association, The Mission to Seafarers, Trinity House, Veterans Outreach Support and Warsash Maritime School
The event, kindly sponsored by Norton Rose Fulbright, will also see two maritime heritage organisations, The Mercantile Marine Memorial Trust, known as UnderSteam, and the Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust (MAST), showcase historical items throughout the evening.
About the Seafarer Pledge
The project is jointly funded by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, Trinity House and the Merchant Navy Association, reflecting a shared commitment across the sector to strengthen support for seafarers.
The Seafarer Pledge commits organisations to recognising and respecting seafarers, promoting safe, fair and supportive working environments, and improving long-term opportunities, wellbeing and dignity for those working at sea.
