Maritime charity column: MNWB Merchant Navy Medal recipient looks ahead to future of welfare

Sharon Coveney, deputy chief executive at the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) and Merchant Navy Medal recipient reflects on what lies ahead for the organisation and the seafarer welfare sector

MARITIME CHARITY COLUMN

Receiving the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service for services to safety and welfare was an incredible honour – one that I will cherish for many years to come. This award is not just a personal milestone; it represents the collective effort of so many dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to support our maritime community. It is a reminder of the vital role we all play in ensuring that seafarers, who keep global trade moving, are treated with dignity and respect. 

I am excited about what lies ahead for our organisation and the welfare sector this year. One of our most significant initiatives will be the launch of the Merchant Seafarers' Pledge, which will be co-funded by Trinity House, the Merchant Navy Association and ourselves. This pledge is more than a statement – it is a commitment to uphold the highest standards of welfare and wellbeing for those at sea. By signing up, organisations and individuals will demonstrate their promise to create safer, fairer, and more supportive environments for seafarers everywhere. We will be launching this in the summer, so watch this space! 

Alongside this, we are driving forward the Port Welfare Accreditation programme. This initiative will set a clear benchmark for excellence in welfare provision across UK ports. By introducing a structured framework and recognising best practice, we aim to ensure that every seafarer arriving in UK ports experiences consistent, high-quality support. This is about raising standards, building trust, and showing that the UK is leading the way in maritime welfare, which reflects our ongoing mission. 

I encourage everyone in the industry to engage with these initiatives, share ideas, and help us make 2026 a year of meaningful progress as we champion seafarers. 

The Maritime Charity Column is a regular feature in the Nautilus Telegraph. Submissions are invited from a range of organisations by the Telegraph editor.