The whole of the UK maritime industry is due to take part in the voting process which will form part of this year’s Mersey Maritime Industry Awards. The ceremony which is due to take place at Liverpool Football Club, on Friday 17th September is using a voting platform which was first used in 2019. Participants will compete against each other in a number of categories. The winners will be determined by a combination of an expert judging panel, and the wider input of the industry.
Going from what happened in previous ceremonies, it has proven that the voting process can have an extremely decisive impact on who wins the awards with over one and a half thousand votes being cast before the ceremony last year. Voting is now open for this year’s content and will close at midday on Monday August 23rd.
One of the entrants for this year’s Positive Impact Award will be Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society. The organisation has been nominated for the bravery it has shown for the past two hundred years and continues to do so today. The organisation was founded after a hurricane swept through the Irish sea and River Mersey in January 1839. Many lives were sadly lost because of this incident which also included the sinking of many ships. Lives were also saved but unfortunately there were no provisions in place to recognise the efforts of the rescuers. This eventually led to the Liverpool Shipping Community and other bodies to meet in Liverpool Underwriters Association to form the society we see today.
The organisation exists to reward the saving of human life in or near the Port of Liverpool. This includes any vessels or ships which are physically in or registered in the area. It also recognises the actions of the people of Merseyside who have been essential in saving many hundreds of human lives from dangerous situations that they may be involved in.
Over the years the Society has had different levels of award, and over 16,523 have been issued. Possibly the most famous Gold medal was granted to Captain Rostron, of the RMS Carpathia. His award was for the rescue of survivors from the RMS Titanic.
A legacy of Liverpool’s proud maritime heritage and the generosity of spirit for which the City’s founding fathers were well-known, awards are still being granted – the medals, parchments and certificates lovingly crafted and illuminated. As the organisation moves forward it remains passionate about rewarding and recognising the bravery to all kinds of people who try to save the lives of others, even at great risk to themselves.
During the Covid 19 pandemic, when the whole of the country was in lock down, the organisations reputation has come to the forefront as many families have used the past year to embark on a journey of genealogical research to explore their family history and background’s. The society has been swamped with enquiries regarding people wanting to know more about awards which were given to family members or friends in the past. They have also serviced a rising demand for replacement certificates and information – there is a huge appetite to discover more about the history of our port and the maritime aspects of our city, and that is reflected in the spike in interest.
This has had a positive impact upon the heritage aspects of our role, and the people’s understanding about the importance of Liverpool’s role in maritime trade during the 182 years of the Society’s existence.
Despite the Society’s long legacy and tradition, our work and impact focuses upon the present day. Despite the pandemic we have issued 20 awards to people who have acted with incredible bravery to save others.
One recipient stated, “It was so wonderful to receive an award from the LSHS. I am so proud to have been recognised and it is a constant reminder of having saved a life, and while it often does not feel real as the rescue seemed to happen in slow motion I now have something to look at and feel good about.”
If you’d like more information on the Mersey Maritime Awards or for the opportunity to vote in this year’s contest, please visit:
