Twelve British seafarers have been recognised for going above and beyond the call of duty, receiving the prestigious Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service.
The awards were announced on Merchant Navy Day, 3 September. The national day celebrates the tireless contributions and vital role of the UK’s merchant navy in global trade and national security.
The merchant navy transports cargo and people during times of peace and war and has played a vital role in UK trade and tourism since 1835.
Captain Iain MacKenzie, 60 from the Isle of Skye, was one of those awarded the Medal. He has been charting CalMac’s iconic ferries services off the west coast of Scotland for more than 32 years. As Master of the MV Loch Nevis, he is responsible for crucial lifeline services to the Small Isles, maintaining vital connections for isolated groups under challenging operational and weather conditions. These services are critical not only for delivering essentials but also for sustaining local economies. He has also selflessly served as a volunteer with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for more than 25 years, responding to numerous calls for help at sea.
Captain Iain MacKenzie said:
“It is an honour to have been nominated for this award. My father would have been immensely proud, having served as a merchant seaman himself.”
“Serving the Islands and communities has been a privilege, the scenery is stunning, the people are amazing, but the weather can be challenging at times.
“Looking after one another is vitally important, and this is something that has become increasingly clear to me through my volunteer work for the RNLI over the last 25 years.”
Also receiving the Award is Captain Chris Phillips, aged 56 from Pembrokeshire, who bravely led his 30-person crew on a rescue mission during the dead of Winter in 2024, saving 89 lives at sea, including women, children, and a baby. Born from a long line of seafarers, Captain Chris was inspired by his father and grandfather, both sea Captains, to join the Merchant Navy at the age of 16. He now holds the highest grade of seafarer certification in the UK and has travelled all over the world during his career. A Freeman of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, Captain Chris 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.
Another inspirational recipient of this year’s award is Captain Philippa Bowden, 36 from Portsmouth, who obtained her ice pilot license at the age of 28. In doing so Philippa became the only female British ice captain in the UK with an Unlimited Master’s License meaning she can operate any ship of any size, anywhere in the world.
Captain Bowden has led numerous expeditions across the globe, including the remote Ross and Weddell Seas, and piloted the biggest cruise ship to have ever operated in Antarctica with 2470 passengers.
An Antartic Ambassador since 2023, Philippa has made invaluable contributions to marine mammal observations and is a strong advocate for environmental protection in the polar regions. From reporting whale sightings to cloud observations, she previously won an award from the UK meteorological office for her contributions to climatic observations in the region. Aside from seafaring, Captain Bowden participates in panels and webinars to talk about aspects of life at sea, often drawing on her personal experiences, beating the odds often as the only female onboard during her early career. She also acts as a mentor for young female seafarers.
Captain Phillipa Bowden said:
“I feel honoured to be recognised for my contributions to safety and the continued education of seafarers. As an island nation, the Merchant Navy is an essential lifeline for the UK, and this medal helps shine a light on the efforts of all our seafarers. I hope to keep inspiring future maritime leaders through my work and ambassadorship roles.”
This year marks 20 years since the Medal was first founded, and 10 years since it was brought into the UK Honours system.
Recipients of the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service will receive their medal in a State Ceremony later in the year.
Stuart Rivers, CEO of Merchant Navy Welfare Board, said:
“Huge congratulations to this year’s Merchant Navy Medal recipients. Each one represents the very best of our maritime community — people who show resilience, dedication and selflessness every single day. Their impact goes far beyond ships and crews, shaping the strength and spirit of our entire industry.
“I’m immensely proud to see our Deputy CEO, Sharon Coveney, recognised with this highly-acclaimed accolade for her unwavering commitment to our charity and her passion for improving the lives of seafarers around the world. A moment to cherish forever.”
The 2025 recipients of the Medal are as follows:
| Captain Philippa Ann Bowden | For services to education and safety | |
| Captain James Kenneth Charles | For services to education and training | |
| Ms Sharon Coveney | For services to safety and welfare | |
| Captain Phillip James Day | For services to safety and welfare | |
| Ms Claire Louise Guy | For services to education and training | |
| Mr Andrew James Hair | For services to education and training | |
| Captain Ian Love | For services to education and training | |
| Captain Iain Norman MacKenzie | For services to safety and community | |
| Captain Christopher Francis Phillips | For acts of bravery at sea | |
| Captain Hywel Jones Pugh | For services to safety and welfare | |
| Mr Julian Seaman | For services to safety and welfare | |
| Captain Martin Andrew Willis | For services to education and training |
The Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service is awarded every year to seafarers who have set an outstanding example to others by their devotion to duty or exemplary service.