Twelve exceptional maritime professionals have been honoured with the prestigious UK Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service, presented by Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Royal at Trinity House, London, on Tuesday 18 November 2025.
Among the recipients were several members of Nautilus International, whose achievements reflect the very best of the Merchant Navy's tradition of service, safety, bravery and skill.
The annual prestigious state award – run by the Department for Transport, with the recipients announced on Merchant Navy Day annually on 3 September – recognises outstanding contributions by maritime professionals including acts of bravery at sea, as well for services to training, safety, welfare and community among other citations.
Nautilus Council member Captain Iain MacKenzie, who received his medal for services to safety and community, said he had been delighted to receive the medal from the Princess Royal in her official capacity during the Trinity House ceremony – especially from a 'fellow member'. HRH The Princess Royal was bestowed honorary Union membership when she formally opened Nautilus House at the Union's retirement complex in Mariners' Park, Wallasey, in April 2025.
Captain Chris Phillips received his medal for acts of bravery at sea, following a perilous rescue of 89 survivors from a distressed small craft in the Mediterranean during severe weather, while onboard BP vessel MV British Achiever on 14 December 2024.
'I was just doing my job', he said , crediting his well-trained crew for their teamwork.
Captain Phil Day, who received his award for services to safety and welfare, summed up the mood of the event: 'The award ceremony was so well crafted, feeling formal yet very personal. We were all treated so well. I remain deeply honoured to have been nominated and awarded the Merchant Navy Medal, but also was left with a stronger sense of positivity for UK maritime and its future.'
In presenting the medals in her capacity as Master of The Corporation of Trinity House, The Princess Royal said she hoped the annual award would help to raise the profile of seafaring.
Maritime minister Keir Mather, in his address, also recognised the issue of 'sea blindness' – public ignorance of the maritime industry – and stressed seafarers' vital importance to the UK. He spent time praising the specific contributions of each of the 12 recipients, noting their role in shaping a safer, stronger future for the sector.
Full list of 2025 recipients
- Captain Philippa Bowden for services to education and safety
- Captain James Charles for services to education and training
- Sharon Coveney for services to safety and welfare
- Captain Phillip Day for services to safety and welfare
- Claire Guy for services to education and training
- Andrew Hair for services to education and training
- Captain Ian Love for services to education and training
- Captain Iain MacKenzie for services to safety and community
- Captain Christopher Phillips for acts of bravery at sea
- Captain Hywel Pugh for services to safety and welfare
- Julian Seaman for services to safety and welfare
- Captain Martin Willis for services to education and training
- Read more about the awards run by the DfT
- Know someone who deserves recognition? Find out how to nominate now for the 2026 awards