This article is taken from the HCMM Journal dated
Following the presentation of the 2015 Merchant Navy Medals, at Trinity House on Monday 23rd November, Shipping Minister Robert Goodwill MP announced a new State Award to be known as the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service. Her Majesty The Queen graciously signed the Royal Warrant for the new Medal earlier this year which will have a place in the Order of Wear. The first of these medals will be presented in 2016 and will replace the prestigious  Merchant Navy Medal awarded by the Merchant Navy Medal Committee, on behalf the industry, from 2005 until this time.
Captain Matthew Easton chairman of the Committee, in welcoming this news, responded: “The industry greatly welcomes this announcement, which formally recognises the huge contribution that the men and women of the Merchant Navy and fishing fleets make to the skills, economy, trade and defence of the United Kingdom. I want to pay a particular tribute to all those who have been awarded the Merchant Navy Medal, today and in the past. All holders of this award should justifiably feel proud of their achievement. It is the success this medal that has paved the way for a State Award and this reflects the high quality of the recipients and the well established selection process. I want to emphasise that existing holders should continue to wear their medals with equal pride. I am very pleased to announce that the Department of Transport will consult the Merchant Navy Medal Committee when reviewing nominations. Furthermore, if nominations are sent, in the first instance, to the Committee we have agreed to act in a consultancy capacity. This will help to ensure that they meet necessary criteria and properly completed before being formally submitted.â€
The existing Merchant Navy Medal is an award by the industry for meritorious service and acts of courage afloat. It has been awarded by the Merchant Navy Medal Committee, which was established in 2005 as a result of a charitable initiative and has members from a wide cross section of the industry. Captain Matthew Easton is the Chairman of the Committee and Admiral The Lord West of Spithead is its Patron. The new medal will be a State Award with a place in the Order of Wear. The first recipients of the new Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service will be announced on Merchant Navy Day on 3rd September 2016.