3rd September 2026
Shipmates,
The Seafarers’ Charity invites shipmates to join their celebration of Merchant Navy Day 2026 on Thursday 3 September.
For more than a decade their ‘Fly The Red Ensign’ campaign has championed the outstanding contributions that Merchant Navy seafarers make to the UK.
Widely known as the ‘Red Duster’, the Red Ensign is the official flag of the UK Merchant Navy.
Those who sail under it help keep the UK supplied with food, fuel and medicine – according to Maritime UK, some 95 per cent of UK imports and exports are transported by sea at some point. In addition, many civilian seafarers support the Royal Navy through the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA).
What you can do:
Fly the Red Ensign: Raise the Red Ensign on a flagpole at your home, office, town hall, or community centre on 3 September.
Download their Digital Toolkit (links to google drive) to access ready-made social media graphics and messages to help you show your support on Merchant Navy Day. Share the assets, tag The Seafarers’ Charity and use the hashtag #MerchantNavyDay.
Wear something red on Merchant Navy Day.
Attend Merchant Navy Day comemorative services in your local area.