Seaways Focus - December 2025
Recognising achievement and commitment
by Captain John Lloyd FNI, Chief Executive of The Nautical Institute
Recently I have had the privilege of representing The Nautical Institute at a number of events recognising the great contribution made by maritime professionals in so many ways. Sometimes as part of their job, but often when serving in a voluntary capacity. With awards for innovation, support for maritime careers, training and education, welfare, bravery at sea and so much more it is great to see superb service recognised. Well done to all who have received awards but also well done to those others who have kept the competition meaningful by their participation. It is not always the winning that counts!
As a member of The Nautical Institute, your professional status, and your participation in developing and maintaining the highest maritime standards, is indicated by the use of our post-nominal letters. These are recognised and acknowledged around the world as showing membership in an organisation dedicated to best practice and improvement. Every level is important, from AMNI(S), our student members, all the way through to FNI, Fellow of The Nautical Institute. These letters are not casual ‘add-ons’. They are a sign of your interest and commitment to a better maritime community. Please – use them and do so with pride! Show your employers, your friends and colleagues this is something that matters and that you are proud of.
We held a joint meeting of the various Nautical Institute Committees at our Headquarters in London recently. It was fabulous to see and feel that volunteer energy from around the globe. My thanks to all who gave of their time to come and add value to the discussions. We identified some areas we want to develop further at HQ and committee level, and I will report on these as the work progresses. But we also identified areas where we would like more input and insights from our membership.
In particular, we are very keen to learn more about the cargo operations you are addressing. What are the challenges and pitfalls? What best practice have you seen or helped develop? What are the areas where you need more support – and what form should that support take?
We would love to hear more from you to help us develop articles for Seaways and other communication avenues that will add to our understanding of this important – in fact central – aspect of ship operation merchant ships.
Whatever your ship type and trade, we would love to hear of your experiences, and to share with others the role you play in supporting world trade and activities. Drop me a line at [email protected] if you need any guidance in this area.
Finally, as we draw towards the end of 2025, I wish to thank all of you in seagoing positions for your commitment to our industry, for the work you do and the commitment you show today and every day. Those who have not been to sea would find it hard to understand why you would wish to be far away for months at a time.
For those of us who have spent time working on board, we know the importance of respect and companionship, the importance of being able to rely on each other and accept responsibility for what we do. Not Monday to Friday for eight hours a day, but every hour and every day.
Let me also thank your families for their support. They are the reason you make such a commitment and as we approach the end of one year and the beginning of the next for most on the planet it is a special family time. Let me wish you safe passage to celebrate together at a later date.
With warmest wishes from all at The Nautical Institute.