Maritime Volunteer Service

NAUTILUS industrial officer Garry Elliott, pictured right, was one of the speakers in a packed one-day programme at the Maritime Volunteer Service’s AGM at the Gateway Hotel, Nottingham, in January.

He made a presentation to the meeting explaining the relevance of Nautilus membership to the volunteer mariners who operate a substantial fleet of small craft based around the UK coast.

‘Like Nautilus, MVS is adapting to meet the challenges presented by the many changes within the maritime sector,’ Mr Elliott said, ‘and there are many similarities and synergies between the two organisations.’
A wide range of topics were covered at the AGM. In the ‘official business’ part of the agenda, changes to the MVS Articles were considered — including the appointment of external trustees. Several delegates wondered out loud whether any retired or shore-based Nautilus members would be interested taking on this role.

Chairman Malcolm Guyatt said that when he moved on, he wanted to hand over a ‘happier and healthier MVS’ to his successor. He wanted the MVS to be a happy and focused, well administered organisation where volunteer members found enjoyment and satisfaction; and where, as a result, there would be new members forming a queue to join. And at the end of the AGM he assured delegates that he believed great progress was being made towards his goals.

Recently appointed Chief Staff Officer, and master mariner, Elfyn Hughes gave brief details of his visits to several units since his appointment last summer. He hoped to visit all 30 or so units around the country in due course, but was mindful of the cost implications.

Other presentations reflected the large amount of activity that is going on at units around the coast and the potential for playing a larger role in contingency response, and also a possible role during the Olympics in 2012.

During the past year MVS volunteers around the country had provided safety cover at maritime events, large and small, supported the MCA during the Ice Prince incident, been involved in training youth groups and taken part in maritime careers events — all in addition to carrying out unit training at regional and national level.

As always, the MVS is keen to welcome experienced seafarers — serving and retired — into its ranks. In addition, right now, to help take the MVS forward the charity is particularly looking for people with financial and administrative expertise who could take voluntary positions in its national administration....* Nautilus members wishing to find out more should call 07517 919554 or visit the MVS website: www.mvs.org.uk

*The Telegraph article says “including as treasurer.” because the MVS communications manager cut and pasted a sentence without putting his brain in gear – he is now wearing sackcloth and ashes. Apologies to our treasurer Margaret Birse. However we certainly could still do with help from people with financial and administrative expertise for a whole range of tasks – anybody out there please do come forward.