After 24 years of dedicated service, long-serving trustee Mark Dickinson has retired from his role as Vice Chair at the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB).
Mr Dickinson, who is the General Secretary of Nautilus International, joined the MNWB in 2000 and has over 30 years’ experience within the shipping industry.
During his tenure, he has seen the maritime world evolve significantly, from helping MNWB gain National Seafarers’ Welfare Board status to improving welfare conditions for seafarers during the Covid-19 crisis.
Here, Mr Dickinson reflects on his role and the stand-out moments.
“Reflecting on over two decades involvement as a trustee of the MNWB and as a Vice Chair of the Council of Management (CofM), I’ve witnessed – and been privileged to help shape – some of the most significant advances in seafarers’ welfare in modern times,” he said.
“The maritime world has evolved rapidly, with globalisation, digitalisation, and geopolitical instability placing new demands on our seafarers. Yet, through collaboration between the maritime trade unions, shipowners and constituent welfare charities, we have made real progress in ensuring that the welfare and wellbeing of seafarers’ is better protected.
“One of the proudest milestones during my time of the CofM has been the MNWB’s formal recognition as the UK’s National Seafarers’ Welfare Board. This status has strengthened our ability to coordinate welfare services, advocate for seafarers at the highest levels, and ensure compliance with international standards like the ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) as amended.
“My work at the International Labour Organization, on behalf of the Seafarers’ Group particularly in the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the MLC, has been a defining part of my career. The MLC has transformed the global framework for seafarers’ rights – enshrining access to decent working conditions, medical care, and importantly for the MNWB – shore-based welfare services. These welfare services are crucial for our key workers – the seafarers without whom our world would fold.”
He continued: “In the UK, thanks to the work of the MNWB, we have set the standard for seafarers’ welfare services and helped to build stronger port welfare committees, improving the support for seafarers in need, and we have improved the co-ordination of welfare provision. This proved so crucial during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“As we look ahead, the MNWB’s mission remains as vital as ever: to keep seafarers visible, valued, and supported. I am privileged to have played a part in this journey and wish all my MNWB colleagues all the very best for the future.”
Chair Capt. Andrew Cassels has paid tribute to Mr Dickinson for his years of commitment to MNWB.
“When you look across our trustees, the depth, experience and knowledge of the Council support our role as the sector’s umbrella charity.
I’d like to place on record my thanks to Mark for his support over the years; his guidance will be hugely missed.”
Trustee David Appleton, who is Head of Professional and Technical at Nautilus International, succeeds Mr Dickinson in the role of Vice Chair.
Our Council is made up of ship owners, ship managers, trade unions, those in the voluntary sector and persons able to make a particular contribution due to their specialist expertise.
Find out more about our Council here
