We are delighted to share that on 18 February, our Portsmouth chaplain, Peter Wells, received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Merchant Navy Welfare Board at its Annual Awards ceremony. This prestigious honour recognises Peter’s unwavering commitment to befriending and supporting seafarers throughout his 14 years of volunteering with SCFS.
The Awards ceremony at London's Trinity House recognised the outstanding endeavours of individuals and organisations as they support seafarers and fishers across the UK.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Patron of the MNWB, attended the ceremony and personally presented the awards. Her presence highlighted the importance of the achievements recognised on the day and emphasised the crucial role of welfare support within the maritime community.
Peter Wells was nominated for his faithful ship visiting mainly in Portsmouth Port, and over the past year he has also been serving seafarers in Cowles, Isle of Wight. He is a constant figure in the port, carrying out many ships visits each week. Peter has a heart for the seafarers, seeking to meet their many needs. From providing much valued SIM cards, woolly hats, literature and providing friendship - he is always ready to listen and advise, and Peter maintains contact with many seafarers while they are at sea.
Here are some extracts from the MNWB press release:
Six deserving recipients were honoured across five categories, each recognising excellence in innovation, collaboration, lifelong commitment, frontline welfare delivery and voluntary service. The awards reflected the diversity of roles and dedication within the maritime welfare network.
The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Peter Wells of the Seafarers’ Christian Friend Society for more than a decade of outstanding voluntary service as a ship‑visiting chaplain. Now in his late 70s, Peter continues to grow and mentor volunteer teams in Portsmouth, Lisbon and Malta. His commitment was particularly evident during the Covid‑19 pandemic, when he was the only person permitted to continue onboard ship visits, providing seafarers with SIM cards, warm clothing, literature and vital companionship at a time of extreme isolation.
Stuart Rivers, Chief Executive of the MNWB which is the umbrella charity for the UK Merchant Navy and fishing fleets that represents 47 member charities, said:
“The people we are honouring are the driving force behind real, lasting change in seafarers’ welfare. Their work touches thousands of lives, offering support, dignity and hope to those who spend months away from home keeping global trade moving.
“Their dedication is not only heart‑warming – it is transformative. These individuals and organisations embody the highest standards of service and leadership, and their collective impact on the maritime community is immense. They are all thoroughly deserving of this recognition, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.”
Peter later shared:
“I am extremely grateful for this award; not that I deserve it, but it recognises the amazing SCFS Solent team of eight volunteers of which I am a part.To adequately care for the physical, mental and spiritual needs of the seafarers takes time, patience and opportunity and I pray that God will continue to give me just that.”
Tony, Portsmouth ship visitor previously commented:
"Peter is not motivated by rewards; he delights to serve the seafarers and will continue doing so until he can no longer climb gangplanks!"
Credit: MNWB Award Ceremony Photography - Mark Doulton.
