The Merchant Navy medal recognises exceptional service and acts of courage afloat by British registered seafarers of all ranks within the industry.

 

The Revd Keulemans, secretary of the Merchant Navy Medal commented: “This year eleven individuals from across the maritime industry have been honoured and awarded this highly respected decoration.

“The medal was founded as a charitable initiative with the support of the Chamber of Shipping, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the RMT, other trade unions as well as senior British seafarers. It celebrates individuals who deserve special recognition for acts of bravery and/or their contribution and service to the industry, the country and their fellow seafarers.

“These people are very special, acting as an inspiration to those in the Merchant Navy, as well as to young people considering the exciting and interesting career opportunities across the sector.”

Admiral Lord West of Spithead, patron of the medal, presented the awards and the ceremony was attended by representatives from the Royal Navy, Trinity House, the Marine Society and Sea Cadets, The Chamber of Shipping, the Baltic Exchange and Nautilus as well as many eminent representatives from the Merchant Navy and across the maritime cluster.

The Merchant Navy Medal was inaugurated in 2005, during the bicentennial Trafalgar celebrations. The Merchant Navy has always been a major player in the British economy, and today more than 90 per cent of all goods in UK shops arrive by ship.

The Revd Keulemans added: “We are an island nation, wherever you are in the UK, you are never more than 70 miles from the sea. We have an incredibly rich maritime history and an industry which today employs over 250,000 people contributing an estimated £40billion to the UK economy on an annual basis.

“The Merchant Navy Medal is awarded to exceptional individuals, irrespective of rank, area of industry, so please nominate anyone that you feel deserves nationwide recognition for their commitment and service.”

The merchant seafarers who have been awarded this year’s Merchant Navy Medal are:

M.P. Coombs, Executive Purser on ARTEMIS, P&O Cruises has been decorated for services to cruise liners and the South Atlantic Medal Association.

Capt. J.R.Freestone a Senior River Pilot with the Port of London Authority has been awarded the medal for services to Thames pilotage and youth sail training.

Capt. R.J.M. Grey, MBE, columnist and formerly Editor of Lloyds List has been recognised for his services to marine journalism and merchant seafaring.

Capt. M.J. Morton, Fleet Training Officer with Arklow Shipping has been recognised for his services to coastal shipping.

Capt. C.R. Pratt, Pilot for Tees Bay Pilots has been decorated for his exceptionally brave conduct in the rescue and care of a pilot overboard from KARINA G in Tees Bay on 17 April 2008.

Capt. E.M. Scott RD, RNR, the immediate Past Master of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners has been recognised for his services to merchant seafaring and the Nautical Institute.

C.P.O. J.W. Summers, Deck Officer on RRS JAMES CLARK ROSS, from British Antarctic Survey has been given the medal for his to polar exploration and scientific research.

A.R. Todd a Fleet Director with James Fisher and Sons has been recognised for his services to marine surveying and consultancy and Chief Engineer B.J Wattling on QUEEN MARY 2, Cunard Line has been decorated for his services cruise liners (Mrs Wattling accepted his medal on his behalf).

The medal has also been awarded honoris causa to recognise outstanding contributions to the mercantile marine by two people who are not British registered seafarers. Miss A.P. Haines, formerly Registrar of the Mission to Seafarers has been awarded the medal for services to the welfare of merchant seafarers.

Likewise, Cdr.C.F.Heron-Watson, RN, Secretary of the Royal Merchant Navy School Foundation has been given the medal for services to the welfare and education of needy dependents of merchant seafarers.