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United Kingdom: Maritime Volunteer Service

by André Coutanche, 4 September 2001

MVS Ensign

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On 7th May 1997, the then Armed Forces Minister, Dr. John Reid, announced during a visit to the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth that the Royal Navy would give formal recognition to the Maritime Volunteer Service. In his remarks, he said that the Royal Navy's recognition is a tribute to the important role that the MVS play in the education and training of young people in nautical skills. Although the Royal Navy is not providing financial assistance to the MVS it does act as an advisor on various maritime topics including career opportunities in the RN and general naval matters. More generally, the RN's closer association with the MVS will also contribute to the enhancement of training opportunities in the community, thereby improving employment opportunities for young people.

MVS Ensign

A Warrant has been issued giving permission for the MVS to wear a Red Ensign bearing the Service's attractive "V" and "Anchor" logo and naval crown. The logo was designed by Commander Bruce Nicholls RN, and this is only the thirty-fifth designed Red Ensign approved for use world wide. Of that total six are flown by UK public institutions such as Trinity House, the RNLI and the Scout Association, six more by dependent territories and five by Commonwealth countries and provinces. The remainder have been granted to privileged yacht clubs around the world. The MVS Ensign will accurately reflect the Service's aims in promoting maritime skills amongst local communities in ports and harbours around Britain's coast, and is an extremely significant step in our quest for a higher profile as a serious maritime organisation."

From http://www.mvs.org.uk/, contributed by Mike Thompson, 12 June 2000