What is Merchant Navy Day?
September 3rd is Merchant Navy Day in the United Kingdom. It commemorates the sinking of the first British merchant ship, “SS Athenia,” by Germany in 1939 during World War II. Initiated by HM Government in 2000, the day aims to raise public awareness about the crucial role of merchant seafarers and address the issue of ‘sea blindness’, where the work and sacrifice of Merchant Navy seafarers is unknown to the general public.
It’s easy to take for granted the things we buy daily, the ways we communicate, and how regularly our society and infrastructure run – but as an island nation, the UK’s economic strength is mostly supported by sea-based imports and exports. More than 95% of our trade is conducted via the sea, through UK and international shipping.
Today, the Merchant Navy is responsible for over 90% of the world’s imports and exports, so Merchant Navy Day serves to honour these dedicated and often brave individuals for their service and sacrifice.
Dedicated, due to the long weeks and months that MN seafarers are separated from their families and loved ones, and brave because of some of the challenges that they face, such as modern-day pirates and criminals, missile-wielding Houthi rebels and the oldest danger of all, the sea itself!
Officially recognised as a day of remembrance in 2000, Merchant Navy Day pays tribute to these historic and ongoing sacrifices and contributions of merchant seafarers, which are an essential part of the UK’s maritime history and continued economic stability.
The origins of the Merchant Navy
The title “Merchant Navy” was coined by King George V to honour merchant seafarers’ sacrifices during World War I, and has since been adopted by several other nations.
With 1,054 commercial vessels registered in the UK in 2023, the British Merchant Navy provides incredibly diverse specialist services and facilities. Their fleet supports commerce and energy (container ships and tankers), transport (prestigious cruise ships and ferries), environmental data (research vessels) and port infrastructure (tugs and emergency craft).
Their storied history dates back centuries and has underpinned the UK’s maritime history and global trade. The UK Merchant Navy was one of the world’s largest ship registries and crew resources, registering 33% of global tonnage in 1939.
A bastion of international maritime service
Historically, the Merchant Navy has significantly contributed to the UK’s economy through extensive shipping and maritime trade, facilitating the transportation of goods, resources, and people, and generating revenue from diverse shipping services.
The Merchant Navy is also crucial for modern communication, facilitating 98% of worldwide communications through undersea cabling. Additionally, the Merchant Navy supports environmental stewardship within the industry by adopting eco-friendly practices and technologies to reduce emissions. Their use of specialist jack-up rigs for wind farm creation and maintenance highlights their significant contributions to national ecological initiatives.
While the Merchant Navy is usually a non-military service, its vessels can be taken up from trade for wartime purposes, known as STUFT (ships taken up from trade) shipping. During both World Wars, the Merchant Navy was essential in keeping Britain supplied with essential foodstuffs and materials and supporting military efforts by transporting servicemen and supplies around the various theatres of war, including the Atlantic Ocean.
With around 185,000 civilians and volunteers involved, their participation in the Battle of the Atlantic and supply operations such as Operation Pedestal (the famous relief of Malta) was crucial but costly, with over 14,000 deaths in World War I and more than 30,000 in World War II.
More recently, the conflict in the Falkland Islands in 1982 was supported by over 100 Merchant Navy vessels, from ocean-going tugs, tankers and hospital ships, to supply ships and troop transports. It is no exaggeration to say that this maritime-mounted operation would simply not have been possible without the contribution of the Merchant Navy.
READ VOS CEO IAN MILLEN’S BLOG ABOUT THE MERCHANT NAVY AND THE FALKLANDS CONFLICT HERE.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the UK Merchant Navy are closely linked, as the IMO is the only branch of the United Nations to be headquartered in London, reflecting the UK’s historic maritime influence. The Merchant Navy aligns with IMO regulations and standards, which govern international shipping safety, environmental protection, and maritime security.
The UK has played a significant role in shaping IMO policies, drawing on its extensive maritime experience – a partnership ensuring that the UK Merchant Navy operates under globally recognised guidelines, maintains high operational standards and contributes to international maritime governance.
Despite recent declines in the scale of UK shipping and numbers of certificated personnel, changing global conditions present opportunities for early career advancement for dedicated individuals. The UK Maritime, Education and Training sector is respected around the world and supports the international maritime industry by providing comprehensive training, education, and employment opportunities, steadily producing skilled professionals from many nations.
Likewise, while globalisation and international registries have reduced the number of UK shipowners, ships, officers, and crew, the industry remains vital, with annual demands on shipping rapidly escalating.
Challenges faced by the Merchant Navy
Despite the fact that the international Merchant Navy effectively powers the global economy by transporting the vast majority of goods, they face challenges ranging from underappreciation and personal hazards to later health risks, abandonment and even criminalisation.
This dangerous job includes natural hazards like storms and rough weather to human risks in the form of piracy and being taken hostage. Physically gruelling, merchant navy roles often expose workers to diseases and injuries, psychological problems, fatigue, homesickness, and loneliness – all of which can have long-term effects.
Compounding many of these issues is the abandonment and criminalization of many seafarers – who are often not even paid by shipping companies. It places considerable strain on an industry that is vital to our economy and society – but is often underrepresented.
As a very recent historical example, the COVID-19 pandemic imposed unprecedented travel restrictions which prevented crew relief measures being implemented as normal – for prolonged periods. Consequently, many seafarers were marooned on their ships as they were unable to travel home. Many more were similarly stranded ashore, unable to make a living and compounding other shipping and maritime issues evolved from the pandemic.
How you can celebrate Merchant Navy Day
First of all, you can fly the Red Ensign, physically or digitally, on 3rd September 2024. You can also donate to the Merchant Navy Fund to recognise the sacrifice and service they have made historically and currently. Or you can simply spread the word, by sharing this and other articles that celebrate this important day in our calendar.
Simply talking about Merchant Navy Day matters. The UK continues to depend on merchant seafarers, so please honour and support them by telling people around you about the Merchant Navy. You could even refer someone to the Merchant Navy jobs board to open up a previously unconsidered career option.
Conclusion
The role of the Merchant Navy is multifaceted and nuanced beyond this text – and it’s often the most essential components in a chain that are overlooked. Without their range of specialist services, knowledge and vessels, and the integrity of their organisation, many components of our everyday societal infrastructure would not be possible – or wouldn’t function correctly.
Despite regular involvement in humanitarian and military work, many aren’t aware of the Merchant Navy’s importance or depth of influence. VOS has many Merchant Navy Veterans within our ranks – not least one of our very own trustees, Mike Powell, who flies the Red Ensign every day in his work to ensure that UK MN veterans get the support they deserve, here at our charity.
UK Merchant Navy (MN) and Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) have a special place in the heart of Veterans Outreach Support (VOS), as it was their contribution to the Falklands campaign in 1982 that prompted our founders to ensure that they were included in the people that the charity supports.
We are also extremely fortunate to have specific grant support from The Seafarers’ Charity and The Trinity House Maritime Charity to support the work we do with these important members of our society.
VOS proudly salutes the Merchant Navy and its Veterans who we support, and thanks them for their service.
VOS is here to support veterans from the UK Armed Forces service, the Merchant Navy, and their partners. If you know a veteran (from any time of service) located in Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, Gosport, Fareham or the Solent area, please pass our details along.
If you’re a veteran or partner and are thinking about getting in touch, we would love to hear from you. Call us on 02392 731 767, visit one of our drop-ins, or email admin@vosuk.org.
Please note that VOS is not a crisis service. If you need immediate support, please contact one of the following:
- Your GP or NHS 111
- Attend A&E or call 999 for medical emergencies
- The Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
- A trusted family member or friend
