Get Involved

How to get involved with the Maritime Volunteer Service

Also see: Find Your Nearest Unit and Joining and Training

The MVS offers the following types of membership:

List A - “ACTIVE”

  • The principal MVS list with members aged between 18 and 65 on entry.  Members are expected to attend regular training sessions at their local unit and to take part in occasional week-end activities either afloat or ashore.  The target minimum commitment is twice a month for evening training plus three week-ends a year.
  • List A members are to wear uniform showing the MVS grade to which they are entitled.  List A members can serve until aged 70 when there is the option to transfer to Lists B or S.  The annual subscription includes the MVS personal accident insurance.
  • Extensions of service beyond the age of 70 will be granted by the CSO only in exceptional circumstances.  Such extensions will be on the recommendation of the appropriate RVO and ASO where a member's continuation in post is considered essential for the operational wellbeing of the Service.  Such extensions will be on an annual basis.

List B - “BACK-UP”

  • Open to those aged between 65 and 70 on entry, who wish to contribute to the Service.  They may have completed a career in a maritime job, or the MVS, and have practical experience in seamanship, marine engineering or shore support.  The target minimum commitment will depend upon circumstances and will be agreed with the local HoU, in consultation with the RVO.
  • Although no grade is held, List B members are to wear the MVS jersey with distinctive epaulettes and are covered by the Personal Accident insurance scheme. There is no upper age limit on List B, but members have the option to transfer to List S at any time, if so desired.  The annual subscription includes the MVS personal accident insurance.

List S – “SUPPORTERS”

  • Open to those who are unable to fulfil the level of commitment required by Lists A or B, but nevertheless wish to play their part in the life of their Unit by attending social functions, assisting with fund-raising events and generally raising the profile of the MVS in the locality.
  • Supporters are not expected to wear uniform and are not subject to age limits.  The annual subscription includes the MVS personal accident insurance.

List T – “TEMPORARY”

  • Required for those who join for the duration of one course only.  Temporary members are not expected to wear uniform.

List C – “CORPORATE”

  • Organisations which actively support the MVS and who encourage their staff to become members.  Separate application forms for Corporate membership are available on request.

Fundraising:

  • Donate - Make an online donation
  • Donate equipment/unwanted items for fundraising 
  • Give your time to help the MVS

We are totally self-funding and rely on donations from individuals and from other organisations to achieve our aims.

The MVS is registered charity no 1048454, so please give as generously as you can. You will assist young people in finding employment by enhancing their skills.