'Just doing my job': Nautilus member Captain Chris Phillips reflects on what makes heroism possible

Nautilus member Captain Chris Phillips was awarded a Merchant Navy Medal for saving 89 lives at sea in the winter of 2024, including women, children, and a baby. The Welsh master received the state honour for the rescue mission aboard BP's LNG tanker MV British Achiever, during an award ceremony in November 2025. Here he reflects on his career, teamwork and the attention to training that makes acts of bravery possible. Interview by Deborah McPherson

What is your rank?

Master, BP Maritime Services PTE Ltd, most recent vessel MV British Achiever, BP Shipping Ltd.

What originally attracted you to a career in maritime?

Both my father and grandfather were captains in the Merchant Navy. I also used to spend my summer holidays onboard the ship my father was serving on together with my siblings. My other seafaring connections include one of my sons, who is also at sea in the rank of bosun; my brother is a chartered shipbroker and his son, my nephew, is a qualified OOW deck.

Tell us some of your career highlights so far

Attaining my Class 1 Masters Ticket and subsequently being given command has to be a major highlight. However, being awarded the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service is an honour which I never expected and I just know that my father would have been immensely proud of this achievement.

I must, however, sincerely thank both the officers and crew of the MV British Achiever, as although I am personally being awarded the Medal, the rescue could not have happened or been expedited in the manner in which it was, without the first-class efforts of the whole of the British Achiever team. The way the call was received and the subsequent actions where everyone onboard instinctively knew what was expected prove that the years of training do pay off, and that excellent teamwork really does make the dream work.

I am so immensely proud and thankful to all the officers and crew for their unwavering commitment to their respective roles on that night. These efforts were also recognised by the International Maritime Organization, which issued a letter of Special Recognition to the vessel, and the vessel was also awarded the 2024 Chamber of Shipping of America Jones F. Devlin Safety Achievement Award.

What have been some of your biggest career challenges?
The transition from deck crew (AB) to third mate.

Do you think your sector is gearing up well for the transition to new fuels and future technology? 

Yes – the vessels I work on are already using LNG as fuel.

What is your favourite place you have visited during your career, and why?

A question I get asked a lot, and always with the same answer – my home in Pembrokeshire.

Who has helped you the most in your career?

My late father was my inspiration and mentor throughout my career until his passing.

How long have you been a member of Nautilus?

I joined when it was NUMAST [a predecessor union], so quite a while.

What is the one change you think would make the biggest positive difference to jobs for maritime professionals?

Salary increases in line with shore sectors and renumeration to reflect the hardships involved in the nature of the work.

What do you like doing in your free time?

Apart from spending time with my family, I enjoy motorcycling and motorsport, and also my involvement in Freemasonry [A Freeman of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, Captain Phillips received the Freedom of the City of London in 2024 − a historic title dating back to the 13th century − in honour of his distinguished career].

Tell us one thing that people may not know about you

I hold a Class 1 Heavy Goods Vehicle (Category CE) driving licence.