Brave sailors were rewarded for advocating mental health and saving lives at sea

Nine British sailors have today (3 September 2024) been awarded the prestigious Merchant Navy Medal for saving lives at sea and advocating for mental health.

Steven Jones, 52, from The Wirral, received the award for his work in tackling mental health issues among seafarers. Steven created the Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) in 2015, which recognizes the views across the shipping sector and helps shipping companies and shipping associations provide targeted support where needed.

Thanks to Steven’s work, the index has shed light on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of seafarers, which has shown steady improvements since its inception.

A lifelong activist for seafarers’ rights, in 2017 Steven campaigned to help bring home the Chennai Six – a group of 6 British maritime security guards who were wrongly imprisoned in the India. He helped mobilize the shipping industry to take action, raising the profile of the 6 imprisoned men and exposing the injustice and harsh conditions they faced.

Maritime Minister Mike Kane said:

It is wonderful to see these 9 exceptional sailors receive this unique award – the highest in the industry.

Their dedication, courage and strength are truly inspiring and show the best of UK maritime.

I am proud to celebrate these people, along with the many sailors who contribute so much to our country, here and abroad.

Steven Jones wrote:

I am delighted to receive the Metsibi Army Award. It is very important that seafarers have a voice, be heard by the industry and be seen by the public.

I am delighted to be able to shine a light on the important work that seafarers do and will continue to support it in the years to come.

Also receiving an award are 4 sailors who went above and beyond the call of duty and put the safety of others before their own.

Captain Richard Gascoyne Kirkby from Exeter and his rescue team of 3 sailors – Coxswain Ben Owen Bramwell from Leicestershire, Trystan Tanner from Bicester and Bosun Ashley Oliver West from Worcester – responded to the distress call when the ship was sinking it sails along the coast of Italy and offers it. May.

As the only ship able to go there without the help of the Greek coast guard, the brave crew made the dangerous journey in the Mediterranean in the dark of night and rescued more than 100 people to safety .

Director Richard Gascoyne Kirkby said:

After fifty years at sea from Cadet to Master Mariner, working and living in an industry I care passionately about, I am honored and humbled to receive such a prestigious award.

The award is for every member of my team who saved 100 lives last year near Greece in terrible conditions.

This award serves as a reminder that as seafarers we can be called upon at any time to help others, and I accept it on behalf of all those dedicated to the safety of life at sea.

The UK The government is committed to improving the welfare of seafarers and works closely with charities and industry bodies, including the Maritime UKin projects to improve the welfare of seafarers at sea.

Sharon Coveney, Chief Executive Officer of the Navy Security Administration (MNWB), said:

We are proud and blessed to have such dedicated sailors working hard to keep the global economy moving.

All 9 recipients are unsung heroes and very deserving of an award of this stature – we are delighted for them all. Their unwavering commitment and loyalty to the industry is truly inspiring.

Ben Bailey, Program Director at The Mission to Seafarers, said:

The Merchant Navy Medal highlights the best of the British and Commonwealth seamen. Steven Jones has been instrumental in shaping the debate on the mental health of seafarers, and ensuring that work is changing to build a better workforce and meet their health needs.

The Mission to Seafarers is delighted to have worked with Steven on a number of issues over the years, most notably the Seafarers Happiness Index which remains an important measure of social change in our industry. Congratulations to Steven and all the recipients of this well-deserved and important national honor.

The annual Merchant Marine Day takes place on 3 September 2024 and celebrates the contribution and vital role of the merchant navy in global trade and national security. The Merchant Navy is made up of British merchant ships that transport goods and people in times of peace and war.

Recipients of the Merchant Navy Award for Distinguished Service will receive their award on November 5 at a National Ceremony.