MCA’s seafarer safety lead announced as keynote speaker for charity Port Welfare Conference

The Head of Seafarer Safety and Health at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has been announced as the keynote speaker at Merchant Navy Welfare Board’s (MNWB) flagship conference.

Oliver Mallinson will deliver a speech to over 80 delegates at the start of the Port Welfare Conference in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Liverpool City Centre (September 11-12).

Mr Mallinson has worked in the marine sector for over 20 years, the majority of which has been at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution working in Training, Safety and Operational Management roles.

In March 2024, Oliver joined the MCA as Head of the Seafarer Safety and Health, where he has responsibility for seafarer health and safety policy, including the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers. He leads the policy on living and working conditions for seafarers and fishers, including implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) and the ILO Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (ILO 188). He is also responsible for seafarer medical arrangements and the MCA’s Human Element strategy.

Mr Mallinson said: “The MCA take the welfare of seafarers very seriously and the Port Welfare Conference is a fantastic opportunity to engage with like-minded people to discuss and progress welfare topics.”

The conference, which will be attended by representatives from the Board’s Port Welfare Committees, seafarers’ centres, port chaplains and heads of societies from welfare charities across the maritime sector, aims to spotlight the vital role of individuals providing frontline welfare assistance to seafarers and fishers in UK ports and Gibraltar.

There are a whole host of exciting sessions planned over the two-day conference. Day one includes speed networking, the role of seafarers’ centres, ports agents and exploring diverse approaches to supporting seafarers and fishers. On day two, there are talks on how women can be better supported at sea, how to empower seafarers and a workshop on exploring cultural dynamics and communication styles.

There will also be a ceremony for our re-imagined Annual Awards which recognise individuals who have provided an exceptional level of welfare service to seafarers and fishers.

This year there are eight recipients in total who have been chosen from five categories: Volunteer of the Year, Team Member of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Most Collaborative Organisation and Innovation Award.

It’s also the first year the MNWB has had sponsors for a conference and the awards.

The gold sponsor is The TK Foundation, Cory Brothers, Isle of Man Ship Registry and ITF Seafarers’ Trust are bronze sponsors and Atlantic Container Line are the Annual Awards sponsor.

Find out more about the conference and sponsors, visit