The Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) is delighted to unveil Captain Sir Ian McNaught as its new President.
Capt. McNaught, who was the Deputy Master of The Corporation of Trinity House, London for 13 years before retiring in 2024, takes up the new honorary role at the Board.
It comes as the umbrella charity for the UK Merchant Navy and fishing fleet, which represents 47 constituent charities, continues to improve the lives of seafarers and fishers by raising welfare standards.
Stuart Rivers, Chief Executive of MNWB, is thrilled with the appointment.
“We are incredibly proud and privileged to have Captain Sir Ian McNaught join us as our President – it’s an exciting moment for the Board,” he said.
“He brings a wealth of experience to the role and is someone who is highly-regarded in the sector.
“We look forward to having him on board, as his expertise will be invaluable during this busy period. In our role as the National Seafarers’ Welfare Board, we are working closely with ports, the UK Government, ship owners, and welfare charities to ensure the long-term sustainability of seafarers’ welfare services.”
Born in Sunderland, Capt. McNaught decided to join the Merchant Navy, and trained at Fleetwood Nautical College in 1971.
He was captain of ships for Cunard and Seabourn including being the last captain of the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) before the ship was retired.
He became a Younger Brother of Trinity House in 2005 and was elected an Elder Brother in 2011. He assumed the duties of the Deputy Master of Trinity House and Chief Executive of the Lighthouse Board in 2011, leading Trinity House in its role as a General Lighthouse Authority, and also chaired The Corporate Board, guiding the charitable work of Trinity House, and chairing the Court of Elder Brethren.
Since becoming Deputy Master, he is now a Governor of the RNLI, a Board member of the North Standard P&I Club, Vice President of the Marine Society and Sea Cadets, and is a member of the selection panel for the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service.
Commenting on his appointment, Capt. McNaught said:
“To have been asked to take up the role of President is a great honour, and I look forward to working with the team at the MNWB to further raise awareness of seafarers’ welfare and to help ensure that those needs are met in the best possible way.”
Capt. Andrew Cassels, who has been Chair of the MNWB for six years, added:
“The President role has never been filled in recent history so it’s a milestone for the Board to have someone of Captain Sir Ian McNaught’s calibre, who is already very active in the sector. We look forward to working with him.”
