The Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) is urging those in the maritime sector to submit nominations for its revamped annual awards.

Since its inception in 1988, the Annual Award for Services to Seafarers' Welfare is being expanded to acknowledge a broader array of individuals serving seafarers and fishers.

The 2024 awards will debut five new categories, which include 'Volunteer of the Year', 'Team Member of the Year', 'Lifetime Achievement Award', 'Most Collaborative Organisation', and 'Innovation Award'. Nominees could be paid staff or volunteers from the maritime charity sector with a record of meaningful, long-term contributions to seafarer welfare.

Last year, the award was bestowed upon Robert Campbell, Sandy Nairne, Paula Daly, and Sister Mary Scholastica.

Nominations close on July 31, and the awards will be announced at MNWB's biannual Port Welfare Conference in Liverpool on September 11 and 12.

Stuart Rivers, who is chief executive of the MNWB which is the umbrella charity for the UK Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets, said: "Year after year the challenge becomes harder to choose recipients for this award and there are just so many individuals who go above-and-beyond to improve the lives of seafarers.

"That’s why we’ve taken the decision to review the awards and launch five new categories so more individuals can be recognised for their stellar work alongside the most collaborative organisation. The awards enable us to show our sincere appreciation for the difference those individuals make to improving seafarers’ welfare.

"We look forward to hearing stories that continue to capture our hearts."