The Nautical Institute
Analysis
The Nautical Institute is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Greater London. It was registered in April 1991, 35 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training and other charitable purposes, which this site groups under education and training. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 02570030). It says it makes grants to individuals, provides advocacy/advice/information and sponsors or undertakes research.
In the financial year ending December 2025, The Nautical Institute reported income of £6.9m and spending of £5.5m, leaving 21% of income unspent that year. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2021 to December 2025, income grew from £3.7m to £6.9m (+87%), an average of +17% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2023, when income rose by 30%. Over the whole period it spent 83% of the income it received.
Among 21,402 England and Wales charities whose main cause is education and training and that reported income, The Nautical Institute sits at the 98th percentile: it is larger than about 98% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 98th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Union of Uea Students Limited (£6.9m), Durston House School Educational Trust Limited (£6.9m) and Students' Union Royal Holloway University of London (£6.9m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from charitable activities 73%, trading 21%, donations and legacies 4.7% and investments 2.0%. Charitable activities took 85% of spending and raising funds 13%. Reserves of £4.6m would cover about 10 months of spending at that rate. It employed 43 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 4.7%
- Charitable activities 73%
- Trading 21%
- Investments 2.0%
In the charity's own words
The Nautical Institute is an independent, international body promoting the standing of the maritime profession afloat and ashore. The objects of the Institute are to promote and co-ordinate in the public interest the development of nautical studies so as to:Encourage and promote a high standard of qualification, competence and knowledge among those involved in the control of sea-going craft.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Union of Uea Students Limited | Norwich | £6.9m |
| Durston House School Educational Trust Limited | London | £6.9m |
| Students' Union Royal Holloway University of London | Egham | £6.9m |
| Silcoates School | Wakefield | £6.9m |