New Official Merchant Navy Medal

Merchant seafarers who have shown distinguished service may be honoured with a new Merchant Navy Medal. Her Majesty the Queen has approved the Merchant Navy Medal, as part of the honours system.

Merchant Navy Day provides an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of the seafarers of the past, to show appreciation for British shipping and to look ahead to the future of our maritime nation.

Shipping Minister Stephen Hammond said:

Our maritime success could not be achieved without the people who work in the shipping industry, and I am very pleased that there will now be an Honour specifically for merchant seafarers. On Merchant Navy Day, we remember the merchant seafarers of the past, more than 20,000 of whom lost their lives in the Second World War alone. We should never forget their efforts and the sacrifices they made, bravely crewing the ships which carried the goods which provided Britain with the means to survive.

Shipping is every bit as important to the UK today - with the vast majority of goods arriving in our country by sea. The UK maritime sector enjoys an excellent reputation, which I hope will help it go from strength to strength.

The new Merchant Navy Medal will be awarded for meritorious service by merchant seafarers.

Nominations are currently being accepted for this award. Anyone can nominate, details of qualifying criteria and nomination forms can be found on the Merchant Navy Medal website.