GovWire

Shipping Minister John Hayes today (2 September 2016) announced the first recipients of a Merchant Navy medal for meritorious service.

This new state award, with a place in the order of wear, is being awarded to those who are serving or have served in the Merchant Navy and fishing fleets of the UK, Isle of Man or Channel Islands for exemplary service and devotion to duty, rewarding those who have set an outstanding example to others.

Recipients of the medal in this first year have received the award for a range of meritorious service including:

• providing operational achievement through leadership, management and sensitivity in a migrant rescue in the Mediterranean in 2015
• dedication to seafarer training and removing barriers for those entering the industry
• devotion to welfare work and fundraising support to maritime charities and young seafarers

Minister for Shipping, John Hayes said:

I am delighted to announce the deserving recipients of this award. Merchant Navy seafarers and those serving in the fishing fleets provide a tremendous service to our island nation and it is only right that they are recognised for the vital role they play, often in difficult and dangerous conditions.

Coinciding with Merchant Navy Day, it provides an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of our brave seafarers of the past and to show our appreciation for British shipping today and in the future.

A formal presentation ceremony will be held later in the year.

To mark Merchant Navy Day on 3 September 2016, the Red Ensign flag will fly over the headquarters of the Department for Transport.

Nominations for the 2017 awards of the Merchant Navy medal for meritorious service are now open.

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