The MVS was founded in 1994 with the following aims:
To stimulate the interest of volunteers from all walks of life in maritime affairs. To be an interesting and useful spare time activity that is fun, sometimes exciting but with a strong emphasis on safety at all times
To maintain a corps of trained volunteers capable of supporting maritime authorities ashore and afloat at maritime events or em
ergencies. Having started with nothing but enthusiasm, the MVS now has over 500 members in 35 Units around the coasts and estuaries of the United Kingdom. Each Unit meets weekly for classroom training which is put into practice afloat on other evenings and at weekends using a range of craft from dories, through launches, powerful RIBs to an offshore training ship. One Unit – Shoreham – has even purchased a hovercraft to provide safety cover in shallow waters and mud banks. Looking to the future, we intend to ensure that the term “Maritime Volunteer” is widely known and understood with each MVS Unit an intrinsic part of the lives, hearts and minds of their local community.
