This 22nd Merchant Navy Day serves as a timely reminder of the importance of seafarers and the valuable role they provide – not just those on board our vessels, but from coastguards and oil tankers to those ensuring that huge quantities of goods move safely to and from our island nation. The past few months have been a stark reminder of the hard work and dedication of those who work at sea.
Over the past few years seafarers all over the world have played a vital role in keeping the world going, and continue to do so as we emerge from the pandemic – whether that’s by transporting goods, including food, medicine and vital equipment around the world, and, of course keeping guests and each other safe on our ships. Our seafarers, you and your teams, experience the high seas, vast horizons, changing tides and camaraderie that living and working on board brings, a truly unique lifestyle; and one that draws people from diverse backgrounds together to form Carnival UK’s seafaring family.
Josh Sage, Electro-Technical Cadet, City of Glasgow College
“There are very few jobs in the world that enable employees to have such freedom whilst also continuously providing them with opportunities to grow and develop as professionals. Carnival UK in particular allows cadets and employees to visit some of the world’s most exotic and picturesque places, as you get to work alongside top industry professionals and on board world class vessels.”
Brittany Brown, Deck Cadet, Fleetwood Nautical College
“I come from a seafaring family, which inspired me to want to become a seafarer myself. As I start my cadetship with Carnival UK, I’m most looking forward to being able to master the role of Officer of the Watch and learn new and exciting things.”
What is Merchant Navy Day?
During World War I, Britain had a high dependence on civilian ships when it came to the importing of necessities such as food and raw materials, as well as transporting soldiers overseas. King George V granted the title ‘the Merchant Navy’ after World War I to recognise the major contributions made by merchant sailors in the conflict.
During World War II, around a third of Merchant ships were British with over 200,000 sailors. The Merchant Navy played a vital role in what was the bloodiest and most costly conflict in human history, and were heavily targeted by German Submarines with 4,700 ships sunk and around 15,000 dead.
Since 2000, 3 September has marked Merchant Navy Day has honoured the brave people who kept our ‘island nation’ afloat during both World Wars, and celebrated our dependence on modern day merchant seafarers who are responsible for 95% of the UK’s imports, including half the food we eat, clothes we buy and many other products and goods.
Find out how you can take part in celebrations near you for Merchant Navy Day here.
Ongoing support for for our key worker seafarers
To support you with changes to life on board and new ways of working, there’s a dedicated fleet page where you can find all the latest fleet news, information and useful links, including frequently asked questions, support for your physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing, repatriation updates, quizzes and more.
Visit the dedicated fleet page here.
To all our seafarers, thank you for everything you’ve done, and continue to do, to support each other and Carnival UK.