Merchant Navy Medal nominations 2019

Circular No: NP/072/19

TO ALL BRANCHES AND REGIONAL COUNCILS.

Our ref: S7/8/19

10th April 2019

Dear Colleagues

Merchant Navy Medal nominations 2019

Further to Circular No. NP/087/18 of 15th May 2018, I write to notify you that nominations for this year’s Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service have opened and will close on 31st May.

Twenty of these medals are awarded each year to recognise outstanding contributions to the maritime industry by merchant seafarers in the UK, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. The minimum period of merchant navy service for nominees is generally twenty years, although there are exceptions. Merchant seafarers, retired or serving can be nominated.

The guidance and nomination forms are attached and Branches are urged to consider nominating RMT seafarers (retired or serving) for this medal. As there is no guarantee of a successful nomination, nominees should not be told that they have been put forward.

The majority of these Merchant Navy Medals are awarded to officers. This does not reflect the vital role of UK Ratings in the merchant navy. RMT Branches, especially Shipping Branches are therefore encouraged to challenge this by nominating Ratings for this award.

Copies of the guidance and nomination forms are also available online, here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/merchant-navy-medal-for-meritorious-service-nomination-form

It would be appreciated if you could bring the content of this circular to the attention of all branch members and you will be updated with further developments.

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash
General Secretary