Leaders, frontline workers and volunteers from across the maritime welfare sector were celebrated this week as the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) presented its Annual Awards for Services to Seafarers’ Welfare.
The event at London’s Trinity House (February 18th), which saw a record number of nominations following the relaunch of the awards, highlighted the exceptional efforts of individuals and organisations working tirelessly to support seafarers and fishers across the UK.
HRH The Princess Royal, Patron of the MNWB, attended the ceremony and personally presented the awards. Her Royal Highness’s presence underscored the significance of the contributions recognised on the day and the vital importance of welfare support across the maritime community.
Six deserving recipients were honoured across five categories, each recognising excellence in innovation, collaboration, lifelong commitment, frontline welfare delivery and voluntary service. The awards reflected the diversity of roles and dedication within the maritime welfare network.
The Innovation Award was presented to Queen Victoria Seafarer’s Rest (QVSR) for its remarkable ability to modernise and expand its services while maintaining more than 180 years of heritage. Under the long-serving leadership of CEO Alexander Campbell, QVSR has transformed accommodation services in East London and taken responsibility for seafarers’ centres in Immingham, Bristol and Felixstowe. The organisation’s 24‑hour centres, purpose-built wellbeing spaces and high‑quality recreational facilities demonstrate QVSR’s continued commitment to putting “seafarers first” and responding to the needs of today’s maritime workforce.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Sandra Welch, CEO of the Seafarers Hospital Society, in recognition of her exceptional and sustained impact on seafarers’ health and wellbeing. Since 2020, Sandra has overseen nationwide enhancements to physiotherapy provision, strengthened mental‑health support and spearheaded pioneering gender-responsive initiatives, including the Feminine Hygiene Project, which has provided more than 1,000 discreet hygiene kits to women seafarers. Her leadership in collaborative programmes such as SeaFit and her work supporting neurodivergent seafarers have contributed significantly to sector-wide progress and improved access to essential healthcare.
The Department for Transport (DfT) was recognised as the Most Collaborative Organisation, reflecting its outstanding leadership in uniting government, industry, unions and welfare charities. The department has ensured meaningful consultation and strengthened support for frontline welfare providers. Key initiatives include funding for the MNWB’s Vehicle Replacement Programme and MiFi Mobile Broadband project, as well as a major £2.1 million post‑Covid recovery grant that has ensured continuity and stability for essential maritime welfare services.
Two individuals were honoured as Team Member of the Year.
Iain Lindsay of Nautilus International was recognised for his compassionate, hands‑on support for seafarers throughout both active service and retirement—from securing grants and arranging rehousing to offering personal and practical assistance. His leadership in the creation of the new Merchant Navy memorial plaque on the Govan‑Partick bridge in Glasgow, commemorating the 55,000 Merchant Navy personnel lost during the Second World War, highlights his deep commitment to remembrance and community.
Vikki Muir, Head of Charitable Giving at Trinity House, was also celebrated for her strong collaborative leadership and unwavering commitment to improving welfare outcomes. Her work overseeing charitable grants, combined with her significant role in the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Pilot Project, has strengthened partnerships and fostered greater cohesion across the maritime welfare sector. Her professionalism, insight and dedication have positively shaped how support is delivered.
The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Peter Wells of the Seafarers’ Christian Friend Society for more than a decade of outstanding voluntary service as a ship‑visiting chaplain. Now in his late 70s, Peter continues to grow and mentor volunteer teams in Portsmouth, Lisbon and Malta. His commitment was particularly evident during the Covid‑19 pandemic, when he was the only person permitted to continue onboard ship visits, providing seafarers with SIM cards, warm clothing, literature and vital companionship at a time of extreme isolation.
Stuart Rivers, Chief Executive of the MNWB which is the umbrella charity for the UK Merchant Navy and fishing fleets that represents 47 member charities, said:
“The people we are honouring are the driving force behind real, lasting change in seafarers’ welfare. Their work touches thousands of lives, offering support, dignity and hope to those who spend months away from home keeping global trade moving.
“Their dedication is not only heart‑warming – it is transformative. These individuals and organisations embody the highest standards of service and leadership, and their collective impact on the maritime community is immense. They are all thoroughly deserving of this recognition, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.”
“I would like to thank ABP, our generous sponsors, for their continued support of this occasion and of our shared mission. We have an excellent relationship with ABP, in the most part because they care about seafarers’ welfare.”
Quotes from the 2025 winners
Alex Campbell, Chief Executive at QVSR, said:
“QVSR is delighted to receive the MNWB Award for innovation; having taken over the operation of the seafarers’ centres at Immingham, Tilbury (cruise), Bristol and Felixstowe in June 2023, our ambition was to modernise them and make them into fantastic welfare spaces for the 50,000 seafarers who visit them each year. The use of technology, and inspirational interiors has allowed the visiting seafarers to relax and enjoy their shore leave. These refurbishment works were funded by the DfT (Department for Transport) and underline the UK’s commitment to provide the very best welfare facilities for our seafarers.”
Sandra Welch, Chief Executive at Seafarers Hospital Society, said:
“As Chief Executive of the Seafarers Hospital Society, I have the privilege of leading an organisation whose mission has remained unchanged for 205 years. I have worked across numerous pioneering projects alongside dedicated, inspiring colleagues, and feel incredibly proud of the demonstrable impact these are having on the lives of seafarers across the UK. I am humbled to be receiving this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award and feel honoured to have been acknowledged among so many inspiring maritime professionals. I extend my deepest thanks, and pledge to continue working tirelessly as a force for change on behalf of seafarers everywhere.”
John Cousley, from the Department for Transport, spoke at the Annual Awards for Services to Seafarers’ Welfare, and said:
“I am delighted that the Department has been recognised for its collaboration with the charities. The third sector has always been hugely important in the maritime sector – some charities are large and go back more than two centuries, many are small and don’t have the same exposure, but they all play a vital role supporting our future, current and retired workforce and their families. It is only right that we, in government, should be working with you, talking to you, learning from you and considering how your work and knowledge can support and shape our objectives for the sector.”
Iain Lindsay, Welfare Officer at Nautilus International, said:
“I would like to thank those who voted for me. Also, my team members whose collaboration and support have made this journey not only successful but enjoyable. This award is testament to our collective hard work and dedication to supporting seafarers’ nation-wide. I am truly humbled by this award and will continue to strive in everything I do. Once again thank you for this incredible recognition.”
Vikki Muir, Head of Charitable Giving at Trinity House, said:
“I am honoured and a little overwhelmed to receive this award. I have not received an award since Silver Brownie in a year that I am not going to admit to! What makes it even more special, is that it comes from my peers for doing a job that I love, supporting seafarers and their families who are the real unsung heroes in our society. Thank you.”
Peter Wells, Volunteer Port Chaplain at Seafarers’ Christian Friend Society, said:
“I am extremely grateful for this award; not that I deserve it, but it recognises the amazing SCFS Solent team of eight volunteers of which I am a part. There is also a whole army of ladies who knit hats, gloves, slippers and neck warmers which are greatly appreciated on board. To adequately care for the physical, mental and spiritual needs of the seafarers takes time, patience and opportunity and I pray that God will continue to give me just that.”
