Welcome to The Merchant Navy Association’s official website We went live on the first ever Merchant Navy Day, on the 3rd of September 2000. The recognition of this day will continue to change the nation’s perspective of all merchant seafarers and raise the profile of what our Merchant Navy has contributed to the development of world trade. We are all proud to be part of such an extraordinary heritage and some would say that the ‘ship’ was the most important invention that mankind has ever made. For instance the first ever Law was the Aegean Sea Lore and St Paul spread his gospel by sea. Ships have sailed to discover new lands, not knowing if the earth was flat and what lay beyond. Much later, at the end of WWII, a then obscure scientist, called Albert Einstein, was made a world-renowned figure after scientific observations at sea. These observations, that could only have been made on a ship at sea in the southern hemisphere, confirmed his theories. This confirmation was then widely promoted by the post-war British government mainly as a gesture of reconciliation to the new German Government and Einstein became a world-renowned figure. The ship has been a part of many of the significant chapters and technological advances in world history.

For information about the Veterans Badge and Forces Discount Directory please click here

Adopt A School Help raise awareness click here

We need to encourage greater awareness of our maritime heritage and use the momentum of recent recognition and achievements to further develop the reputation of the Merchant Navy, its many seafarers and those who work in the shipping industry. A growing industry that also offers a variety of career opportunities and is a major contributor to this country’s gross national product…£34 billion annually with our ports receiving the interest of the world’s international financial institutions.

Through exploration and trade, war and conflict, suffering and sacrifice the Merchant Navy and its seafarers were the link, the unbroken line, that helped to develop a nation and in part secure the freedoms we all now enjoy. Those Merchant Seafarers who gave the ultimate sacrifice and have, until now, never been properly acknowledged or recognised deserve better, much better. We must also acknowledge those seafarers who survived, protect the graves of those who died and honour their commitment alongside the many Merchant Navy war widows who also gave so much support in so many ways.

We will remember them all.

The MNA has always been a “member driven” organisation with energetic support. Our governing body is the National Council with a National Executive undertaking the day-to-day management activities. We promote agreed policies on a range of subjects with the MN Veteran at the heart of what we seek to achieve. Our Aims and Objectives carefully inform everyone of where we are ‘heading’ and the areas open for discussion and debate

The “MISSION” of the Association is to bring all serving and retired Seafarers together in a spirit of companionship, consideration, and commitment towards a united lobby for the Community of the Sea and then;

· To deliver quality service to our members by all appropriate means and to represent their interests, whenever and wherever possible.
· To facilitate, authorise and approve the establishment of constituent branches to develop an Area, Region and Branch structure that further encourages recruitment and retention.
· To work keenly and cordially with all other established seafaring organisations and related charities for the benefit of members to better facilitate the exchange of information on policy objectives, welfare, recruitment and research.
· To parade the National and Branch Standards, at every opportunity, both at home and abroad.
· To advance awareness of the suffering and sacrifice that merchant seafarers and their widows have experienced in times of war and conflict.
· To help extend the interest and learning in our maritime and coastal heritage.
· To encourage the young and life-long learners into seafaring careers that can shape their lives forever.
· To expand awareness of just how much UK Plc depends on ships and maritime activities in order to maintain such a dynamic economy.
· To attract contributions to the funds of the Association in such diverse forms as the annual subscription fees, sponsorships, grants, donations, sales and any other legal fund-raising operations.
· To undertake any work that, in the opinion of the Council, may be advantageously continued in connection with, or ancillary to, any of the Associations Aims and Objectives.
· To represent and promote the policies of the Association on all possible occasions and to do such things as may be considered beneficial to their achievement.
· To always resolve that the Association shall remain apolitical, non-sectarian and an advocate of equal opportunities.

The Merchant Navy Association was established in 1989 and is the oldest national Merchant Navy lobby group in the country. We have achieved a growing reputation for promoting issues, gaining recognition and developing awareness in career opportunities, welfare, research and of course our Veterans. We guarantee to continue to listen, to continue to learn and to continue to support the needs of our members both near and far whether ashore or afloat, we are here for you.

Support the need for recognition today…Join Us…
Together we will all make a bigger difference.

Whoever and wherever you are, we are delighted that you took the interest and the time to find us…we also have the Red Duster site (www.red-duster.co.uk) that offers other interesting options for you to investigate. We wish you fair winds and a safe harbour whatever course you have travelled in life and hope you will stay interested and in support of what this Merchant Navy Association has worked hard to achieve.