Circular No: NP/090/19
TO ALL BRANCHES AND REGIONAL COUNCILS.
Our ref: S7/8/19
24th May 2019
Dear Colleagues
Merchant Navy Medal nominations 2019
Further to Circular No. NP/072/19 of 10th April 2019, I am writing to remind Branches to nominate Seafarer Ratings for this year’s Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service.
Nominations for this year’s Merchant Navy Medal awards close on Friday 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.
Copies of the guidance and nomination forms are available online, here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/merchant-navy-medal-for-meritorious-service-nomination-form
The majority of 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. As there is no guarantee of a successful nomination, nominees should not be told that they have been put forward.
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