GovWire

Mariners who have gone beyond the call of duty are to receive a prestigious Merchant Navy medal, Maritime Minister John Hayes has announced today (12 September 2017).

Now in its second year, the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service 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.

The state award is handed out for exemplary service and devotion to duty, rewarding those who have set an outstanding example to others.

Recipients of the medal this year have received the award for a number of meritorious reasons including:

• world record offshore operational achievements
• the saving of lives at sea through responsive aid to migrants in peril
• improving seafarer employment conditions and safety of ships
• achievement in marine engineering
• providing new maritime career opportunities
• devotion to the welfare of vulnerable seafarers

Maritime Minister John Hayes said:

Merchant Navy seafarers and those serving in the fishing fleets provide an invaluable service to our island nation, often in difficult and dangerous conditions. I am therefore delighted to announce the deserving recipients of this award today.

Just a week after we mark Merchant Navy Day and remember the sacrifices of the seafarers of the past, this award provides the opportunity to proudly show our appreciation for British shipping today and in the future. It also coincides with London International Shipping Week 2017, where this nation is showcasing the very best of its maritime sector to the world.

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

Nominations for the 2018 awards of the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service are now open and further information on how to submit nominations can be found on GOV.UK.

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