Merchant Navy Day in United Kingdom

The Merchant Navy is the name given to the international commercial shipping industry. It is made up of several shipping companies who recruit civilians as their seafarers. Companies vary greatly in the size of ship, types of ship and areas of the world where they operate. They are often regarded as the forgotten and invisible navy community.

As of the 21st century, the Royal Navy is primarily focused on expeditionary operations and stays as one of the world's main blue-water navies. The UK defense budget is still the 5th largest in the world and the Royal Navy remains in the front rank of the world's navies.

3 September marks Merchant Navy Day, when we honour the brave men and women who made many sacrifices to keep Britain alive during both World Wars, and appreciate the UK’s modern day seafarers who are responsible for transporting most of our every day items, such as food and fuel. On this day the Red Ensign, the official Merchant Navy flag, is flown across the UK.