 In 1981, against the background of a Cold War still at its peek and the looming Falkland conflict, there was a feeling amongst mariners that if no action was taken to protect Britain's maritime industries, there would be little left of the Royal Navy, the British Merchant Marine or the fishing fleets, and their supporting infrastructure by the end of the century.
This concern was highlighted by the change in government policy towards shipping and led senior retired naval officers, shipowners and prominent City figures involved in the maritime field to form the British Maritime League (BML) and the British Maritime Charitable Foundation (BMCF) as sister organisations.
As part of the requirements of the Charity Commision, the BML was constituted as a membership organisation with branches around the country to raise public awareness and inform government. The BMCF was formed as a charity to promote industry, commerce and defence through education, training and research activities. The BML and its objectives were consolidated into the BMCF in 1992, and became known as the Maritime Foundation. It has achieved a reputation for well researched projects; in particular the major studies published on the decline of the British merchant fleet, the UK maritime skills base and their contribution to the whole economy.
Purpose
The Maritime Foundation is a registered charity which promotes Britain's interests across the maritime field. Its purpose is to inform and raise public and parliamentary awareness of the importance of the UK's maritime industries, commerce and defence, through education, training and research.
Range of activities
- Projects to support maritime training and education, to raise public awareness of the United Kingdom's maritime heritage and its dependence on the sea.
- Help for young people to take up maritime careers and support for Sea Vision intiatives.
- Maritime Media Awards given annually to writers, broadcasters or media persons considered to have made the most constructive contribution to Britain's maritime affairs.
- The Memorial Book kept in the Seafarers' Chapel at All Hallows by the Tower records the names of those lost at sea with no known grave. The Annual Service of Thanksgiving for relatives and friends held
annually in October.
The Maritime Foundation enjoys the support of a distinguished patronage but relies entirely on grants and contributions from individuals and companies. For further information, please contact the Secretary.
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