Merchant Navy Welfare Board – a short history
The Merchant Navy Welfare Board was established in 1948, although its predecessors date back to 1927. In summary its primary objects were and remain to:
- Promote co-operation between organisations whose objects included the welfare of merchant seafarers and their dependents
- Establish minimum standards of shore accommodation for seafarers
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Advise on new and existing facilities.
Membership of its Council came from the ship owners, seafarers’ trade unions, nautical charities and Government. Government funding was provided via levies on British ship owners employing the many non-domiciled seamen. It also inherited a number of hostels which were soon refurbished as hotels, and clubs. Port Welfare Committees were also transferred and most charities caring for merchant seafarers and fishermen became Constituent Members.
Changes in merchant shipping from the 1970s onwards had a major impact on the hotels. Over a comparatively short period all but the London hotel became redundant whilst the clubs were transferred to the ‘missions’. Government support and involvement was also withdrawn. Fortuitously the sale of the hotels provided working capital that was invested to provide the main income source for the Board’s continuing work. The last Hotel, in London, was retained until 2002 when events caused a dramatic downturn in the London hotel industry when it too was closed. The capital raised from this greatly increased the Board’s investments and income generated enables it to provide substantial support to Constituent member charities at a time when resources are under considerable pressure. This includes funding of working groups, evaluation studies, training, casework support and capital grants.
Today the Board has around 40 members subscribing to its Constitution. There are also sixteen Port Welfare Committees (PWCs) within the UK and another in Gibraltar. The PWCs provide networking as well as disseminating information and discussing local issues such as projects and grant funding. Membership is open to all organisations concerned with the welfare of seafarers.
The Board has, for almost 60 years, been a forum where those whose interest is the welfare of seafarers can work harmoniously together. This work continues to evolve recognising the changes that effect both the serving and retired seafarers. It welcomes the challenges and looks forward to continuing its contribution towards the welfare of seafarers.