The Merchant Navy Welfare Board is a registered charity located in Southampton, England that acts as the welfare umbrella for the United Kingdom Merchant Navy and fishing fleet charity sector. Its mission statement is “to help improve the effectiveness of all those charities caring for merchant seafarers, fishermen and their dependants." The Board’s key objectives are to: Help improve the effectiveness of all those charities caring for merchant seafarers, fishermen and their dependants and this is done irrespective of nationality, religion or ethnic background. Strive to ensure that all welfare needs are met through the most effective deployment of resources. Facilitate the work of Constituent organisations through the provision of grants and specialist support services. Provide a dedicated welfare support and referral service for UK seafarers and their dependants. Manage and support Port Welfare Committees to develop local welfare services. Encourage and enable closer collaboration amongst both Constituent organisations and Port Welfare Committees. Represent and raise awareness of seafarers’ welfare issues at national level.