MARITIME charities and the shipping community are mourning the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday.

Queen Elizabeth II was the patron of more than 500 charitable organisations including Mission to Seafarers, The Seafarers’ Charity and the Sailor’s Society.

She is today being remembered for her service to the maritime community and to the welfare of seafarers.

The Merchant Navy Welfare Board paid tribute with a message highlighting the Queen’s work as Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets.

“Thank you for your unwavering dedication to a life of service to our great nation,” MNWB chief executive Stuart Rivers said.

“Today, will be marked with sadness, but we will also celebrate the exemplary service given by Her Majesty.”

Queen Elizabeth II also became patron of King George’s Fund for Sailors, now The Seafarers’ Charity, in 1952, ahead of her coronation the following year.

Paul Butterworth, chair of the general council of The Seafarers’ Charity, described the Queen’s passing as a momentous event in the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world.

“The late Queen Elizabeth’s kindness, care, and interest in all matters, particularly those of the sea as Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets, will never be forgotten by those whose lives she touched, either directly or indirectly,” he said.

Sailor’s Society also expressed gratitude for the Queen’s service to the maritime community, noting her first solo royal duty had for the society.

“We share the deep sadness at her passing with those in the maritime industry across the globe and extend our heartfelt sympathies to the entire Royal Family for the loss of a beloved mother and grandmother, and to the nation for the loss of their Queen,” the charity said.

Mission to Seafarers took to social media to express its sadness and offer condolences to the royal family.

“We are honoured to have had Her Majesty as our patron for the full length of her reign and give thanks for her supportive association with us over so many years,” MtS said in a post.

“We owe her a particular debt of gratitude and share the sadness felt by countless others around the world.”

Mark Dickinson, general secretary of UK-based union Nautilus International, said the Queen’s commitment to public service was an inspiration to the union’s members and staff.

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets and we take this opportunity to express our gratitude for [Her Majesty’s] lifelong commitment to the welfare of merchant navy seafarers and fishers,” he said in a post.

Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Her death was announced by Buckingham Palace at 1830 on Thursday evening, (0300 AEST on Friday).

She was 96 years old.