Honouring our seafarers at St Paul’s Cathedral

From left: Dan Foster, Kevin Moran and George Belcher 

HM Coastguard was proud to attend the Annual National Service for Seafarers for the first time, held at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Organised by the Seafarers’ Charity and Trinity House, the event on Wednesday 9 October was joined by a contingent carrying the HMCG colours, helping to celebrate, thank and remember those who serve at sea in any capacity. 

Representatives included Kevin Moran, a Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue Officer (CRO); Dan Foster, Maritime and Coastguard Agency Liaison Officer at the Joint Maritime Security Centre; and George Belcher, Senior Aeronautical Operations Officer.  

Dan first joined HMCG in 2018 as a Maritime Operations Officer following service in the Royal Navy. He said: “I was privileged to represent HMCG at this event and make history with it being our first time marking this very solemn occasion. 

“I am immensely proud to work for and represent the MCA and have a longstanding love of ceremonial work, including November ceremonies. I look forward to future events and I hope this begins a longstanding attendance at the national service for seafarers.” 

For CRO Kevin Moran the service was particularly meaningful having joined the Sea Cadets aged 12 and served in the Royal Navy for 26 years. He has also represented HMCG at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III. 

Kevin said: “Being a part of the service was a great honour, especially to be part of the first team to represent HM Coastguard and to carry our colours at the event. It was good to meet and speak to so many different users of the sea and forge new friendships.” 

Senior Aeronautical Operations Officer George has the navy in his blood as his father served on HMS Ark Royal and his maternal grandfather was a naval radar operator in the Second World War. 

  

He said: “I was honoured to be asked to represent the coastguard at the Annual National Service for Seafarers this year. The event represents so much to those who work, volunteer and spend any time on the water.” 


The Annual National Service for Seafarers has been held every year since 1905 as a reminder of the importance of seafarers to the island nation of the UK, including the Merchant and Royal Navies, fishing fleets, workboats, cruise liners, commercial shipping, yachts, ferries and anyone who makes a living working at sea.  

The service also welcomes maritime welfare charities, nautical schools, maritime youth groups, veterans’ associations, and people of all faiths and nationalities. 

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