Eleven maritime professionals have been recognised with the 2026 Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service for exceptional contributions to the industry, their communities and
fellow seafarers.
The recipients were announced on 3 September as Britain marked Merchant Navy Day, celebrating the people who keep vital goods and passengers moving around the world and play an important role in the UK’s economic and national resilience.
Among those honoured is Captain Joe Furness, 31, from Oldham, who has introduced millions of young people to careers at sea through his popular JoeTheSailor social media channels.
Inspired himself by films about life at sea, Furness has gone on to mentor more than 100 cadets and junior officers. His commitment to seafarers was also recognised during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he cared for ten passengers who became infected while medical support was limited.
“I’ve always wanted to open up our world to people who don’t know much about shipping and make sure new cadets feel supported,” Furness said.
Captain Martel Fursdon is being recognised for breaking barriers and improving safety across the industry. She became the first female captain in The Lundy Company’s history and has established mentoring networks to help women progress through the maritime profession.
Fursdon also helped rewrite safety guidance covering 15 ships and supported efforts to repatriate stranded seafarers during the pandemic.
She said she hoped the award would demonstrate that “hard work and determination can open doors once thought closed”.
Another recipient, Captain Brian Nibbs, 87, from Jersey, has devoted more than five decades to the maritime sector.
Beginning his career with Ellerman Lines in 1955, Nibbs eventually became Harbour Master of Jersey, a position he held until 2004. He has continued supporting maritime charities since retiring, including families affected by the 2022 L’Ecume II tragedy, in which three fishermen died off Jersey.
His career has included voyages across the world's oceans, including a journey from the Panama Canal to Sydney in the 1960s, when navigation was carried out using the stars rather than GPS.
Maritime Minister Keir Mather said this year's medal recipients represented “the very best of the maritime sector”, praising their service, leadership and dedication.
The eleven recipients will receive their medals at a state ceremony later this year. Photo by gov.uk
