The Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS) is a United Kingdom wide charity (Charity No: 1048454 SCO No: SC039269 Registered Company No: 3003565), which has as its motto: "Supporting YOUR Community with OUR People" (strapline updated February 2021 from 'We change lives' (through training and serving local communities)).
To achieve this objective it recruits volunteers from all walks of life (from 18 to 80) to train across four branches of Seamanship, Engineering, Operations (Operational Support) and Community Response. It provides afloat experience to youth organisations and supports port and river authorities around the country.
Prince Michael of Kent is the charity's royal patron and honorary commodore.
At a reception held at Cayzer House on Tuesday 6th September 2022, former First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral, The Rt Hon. The Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC PC was installed as Honorary President of the Maritime Volunteer Service.
Aims and Objectives
The MVS objects are: To advance the education and training of the members of the charity and the general public in all aspects of maritime and communication skills and knowledge. The protection and preservation of life and property primarily, but not exclusively, within the maritime environment.
Operations
The Maritime Volunteer Service has around 400 members in 27 units around the United Kingdom.
Most units meet weekly for training, which is put into practice afloat using a range of craft including RIBs, launches, dories, and the national training vessel East Sussex 1.
The MVS maintains strong links with local authorities, harbour boards, and other maritime organisations.
Structure
National level
At a National level the MVS Headquarters (MVS HQ) are based in Warrington at Dallam Court. All decisions on policy or national regulation are formulated by the directors and trustees. Under the stewardship of the chairman, they also oversee the governance of the charitable aspects of the MVS.
The MVS is headed operationally by the Chief Volunteer Officer (CVO). The CVO also takes the reports of the national managers and coordinators, including: MVS Training Manager: Responsible for all training matters. MVS Resilience Manager: Responsible for liaison nationally and regionally to develop and implement resilience strategies and co-ordinate efforts in community support. MVS Communications Manager: oversees the national communications, including web content and social media. MVS National Health & Safety Advisor oversees all aspects of matters health & safety. MVS National Fleet Manager: Responsible for craft management group. MVS National Registrar: Responsible for maintaining membership records and subscriptions and matters relating to data protection.
Area Level
The country is divided into four areas which are: Northern England, Southern England, Central England (incorporating Wales and Northern Ireland), and Scotland. Each area has an Area Volunteer Officer (AVO). In addition to the AVO each area may have: a Deputy Area Officer (D/AVO) who assists the Area Volunteer Officer and an Area Specialist Officers (ASO) who offers advice and guidance on matters such as operations, seamanship or engineering.
Regional Level
Each area is subdivided into distinct regions.
Each region has a Regional Volunteer Officer (RVO).
The RVO is elected every three years by the units within their region.
Each region may also have a Deputy Regional Volunteer Officer (D\RVO).
Some regions have Regional Specialist Officers (RSO) responsible for overseeing various specialisations at the regional level.
Unit level
Each unit is led by a Head of Unit (HoU), who is elected annually by their peers. The HoU is assisted by a Deputy Head of Unit (DHoU) who serves as the unit's second in command.
The current units across the UK, include: