Steamship Mutual Attends the Annual National Service for Seafarers

Steamship Mutual were represented at the Annual National Service for Seafarers, held at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on 9 October 2024. Organised by The Seafarers’ Charity and Trinity House, and attended by HRH Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, the event provided an opportunity to honour the vital role that seafarers play in global trade and maritime safety.

The service, which dates back to 1905, is open to all and attracts representatives from across the maritime community, including the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, fishing industry, nautical colleges, maritime youth groups, veterans’ associations and those who support them ashore.

This year's service held special significance, marking the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the 50th anniversary of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA). The RNLI, a volunteer-led charity, provides life-saving search and rescue service along the UK coastline, saving thousands of lives at sea each year. WISTA, an international organisation, is dedicated to advancing the role of women in the maritime industry, promoting diversity, and fostering collaboration within the global shipping community.

Steamship Mutual’s presence at this event underscores the club’s ongoing commitment to the welfare and safety of seafarers. This aligns with our broader support for the shipping industry, which includes initiatives aimed at improving mental and physical health at sea, such as our partnership with Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS). Launched in response to the heightened challenges of the pandemic, this service offers free, confidential psychological support to crew members both onboard and ashore, available 24/7.

Steamship Mutual also works closely with members, industry bodies and governments to reduce maritime incidents, improve vessel safety, and enhance living conditions onboard. These initiatives, alongside projects focused on reducing environmental impact and responding to maritime casualties, highlight the club’s broader mission to foster a safer, more sustainable maritime environment.

For further details about the Annual National Service for Seafarers and Steamship Mutual's ongoing support for the maritime community, visit The Seafarers’ Charity website or Steamship Mutual's homepage.