RMNEF Newsletter May 2026
News and Noteworthy
Keeping Safe and Connected During Heightened Tensions
Many Merchant Navy crews continue to work in and around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. With ongoing tensions in the region, we recognise that many seafarers and their families may feel anxious about safety, communication and the pressures of extended deployments.
The Merchant Navy has always shown resilience and professionalism during uncertain times, and we want to remind our seafaring community that support is available. Families at home can also feel the strain when news headlines create uncertainty. RMNEF encourages anyone needing additional support or advice to reach out to maritime welfare organisations and charities.
Above all, we send our thanks to all crews continuing to keep global trade moving safely.
PALS Applications Close 30 June
A reminder to all families that applications for the PALs applications close on 30 June.
If you are considering applying, please ensure your forms are completed before the deadline. The programme continues to provide valuable support to seafaring families and students.
Click here to apply.
Fishing News: UK Fishing Opportunities for 2026
The UK’s annual fisheries negotiations have concluded for the 2026 fishing year, setting the quotas and Total Allowable Catches for fish stocks shared with the EU, Norway and other coastal states. The outcomes provide the UK fleet with around 612,000 tonnes of quota, estimated to be worth approximately £964 million. This is lower than 2025, with a decrease of around 135,000 tonnes and £136 million in estimated value.
For fishing families, these figures matter because changes to quota can affect vessel activity, income stability and planning for the year ahead. While some areas saw increases, there were significant reductions in coastal state stocks, particularly mackerel and blue whiting. Mackerel remains one of the most valuable stocks for the UK industry, so reduced opportunities may be felt by parts of the fishing community.
At RMNEF, we recognise that changes in fishing opportunities can create uncertainty for families. Whether through changing work patterns, reduced income between trips, or wider pressure on coastal communities, fishing families continue to show resilience. We remain committed to supporting children and families connected to the fishing industry.
Spotlight
Managing Family Finances While Your Partner is at Sea
When a partner is away at sea for long periods, the pressure at home can quickly build. For many maritime families, particularly solo parents, daily life can become a constant balancing act between childcare, work, household bills and trying to stay organised while managing alone.
At RMNEF, we understand that financial pressure is often made harder by uncertainty. Contracts can change, vessels may be undergoing repairs or maintenance, and families are often trying to plan ahead without always knowing exactly what the next few months will look like.
One of the most helpful things families can do is try to think ahead to the bigger costs before they arrive. The summer term and summer holidays are often the most difficult periods financially. Uniforms, school trips, clubs, childcare and increased food costs can all arrive at once, making budgeting feel overwhelming.
Some parents find free budgeting apps helpful because they make planning feel more manageable. Apps such as Snoop, Emma and HyperJar allow families to track spending and create separate savings “pots” for different expenses.
Many families use these to plan ahead for:
• School uniforms
• Children’s activities and clubs
• Summer childcare
• Emergency household costs
Even setting aside a small amount regularly can help reduce stress later in the year and make unexpected costs feel less overwhelming.
Families should also remember that support may be available through grants and charitable funding. Many parents delay applying because they worry their situation is “not serious enough,” but support is often designed to help families before they reach crisis point.
Things to Think About Before Applying for a Grant
When applying for support, it can help to think clearly about:
• What the funding is needed for
• How long the support is likely to be needed
• How the support will benefit the child’s educations
• How the support will ease the families financial pressures
Families can experience financial pressures due to various situations. For example:
• A 4 month period while a vessel is undergoing repairs or maintenance
• Reduced income between contracts
• Covering childcare for extended periods at sea
Other applications may focus more on educational opportunities for children. This could include:
• School trips
• After-school clubs
• Educational equipment
• Summer learning activities
• Travel costs linked to education
It is often helpful to explain the educational or developmental benefit clearly. For example, a trip to a history museum may support a child considering History GCSE, helping them engage more confidently with the subject before making their options choices at school.
After-school clubs and educational holiday schemes can also make a real difference for parents managing work and household responsibilities alone while a partner is at sea. Having reliable childcare or structured learning activities can create valuable time for work, appointments, household tasks or simply a chance to rest and recharge.
We encourage families to apply in advance wherever possible. RMNEF is unable to backdate grants, and applications can take time to process depending on demand and the information required. Planning ahead not only gives applications the best chance of being considered in time, but can also help families budget more effectively for larger upcoming expenses such as uniforms and school trips.
Many parents say the hardest part is not always the cost itself, but trying to manage everything at once. Small steps such as researching school uniform grants early, booking holiday activities ahead of time, or setting reminders for major school expenses can make family finances feel more manageable.
Most importantly, seafaring families should remember they are not alone. Life at sea affects the whole family, not only the person onboard. Asking for support early can make a real difference, and organisations such as RMNEF are here to help families navigate those challenges with confidence and dignity.
Dates for the Diary
· Sunday 10 May – National Fishing Remembrance Day
· Monday 11–Sunday 17 May – Mental Health Awareness Week
· Monday 25 May – Spring Bank Holiday
