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Merchant mariners recognised for life-saving heroism, dedication
Captains in the UK have been awarded Merchant Navy medals for meritorious service for saving lives at sea, completing Antarctic voyages and more than 30 years of keeping remote communities connected to mainland services
British seafarers have been recognised for their bravery and ingenuity with medals on Merchant Navy Day, which celebrates the contributions and vital role of the UK’s merchant fleet in global trade and national security.
A Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service recognises dedication to seafaring and marine services, outstanding bravery, career highlights and long-term service in supporting communities and shipping.
A captain on a merchant ship, Chris Phillips from Pembrokeshire, Wales, received his medal on 3 September 2025 for leading his 30-person crew on a rescue mission during Q4 2024, to save 89 lives at sea. He received the freedom of the City of London in 2024 and is a freeman of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners.
A medal was also awarded to English captain Philippa Bowden as the only female master in the UK certified to operate all vessels anywhere in the world, including in ice conditions, for groundbreaking polar expeditions in the Antarctic.
Captain Bowden has led several expeditions across the world, including the remote Ross and Weddell Seas, and piloted the biggest cruise ship to have ever operated in Antarctica with 2,470 passengers on board. She has been an Antarctic Ambassador since 2023.
Also recognised for contributions to the UK Merchant Navy was ship captain Iain MacKenzie for navigating CalMac ferries between Scottish islands and the nation’s western coastlines for more than 32 years.
Capt MacKenzie is currently master of ferry Loch Nevis and has also served as a volunteer with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution for more than 25 years, responding to numerous calls for help at sea.
In response to these medal awards, UK maritime minister Mike Kane said, “It is incredibly inspiring to hear about the dedication, bravery, and outstanding service of all this year’s seafarers, each of whom have gone above and beyond in their roles and are more than deserving of this special award.
“I am so proud of the UK Merchant Navy who continue to go beyond the call of duty to keep our country safe and moving, and I congratulate this year’s recipients on their remarkable achievements.”
2025 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 2025.
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