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Ideas are needed to help maritime leaders renew
the British public’s links with the sea.
Organisers of the Sea Vision UK campaign hope to ride the
wave of Nelsonian fever to show how important the seven seas
and maritime trade are to the nation’s livelihood.
The initiative is much more wide-ranging than simply commemorations
for Trafalgar 200, and will continue well past 2005.
Based at the Chamber of Shipping in London, the campaign
was launched at last year’s London Boat Show, and aims
to raise the profile of the entire maritime sector and promote
its wide range of career opportunities.
Over the past year, under the patronage of the Princess
Royal, Sea Vision has brought together more than 120 associations
and organisations from throughout the wider maritime sector – including
the Royal Navy – to raise the sector’s profile.
Lt
Cdr John Hepburn, loaned to Sea Vision by the Navy because
the campaign’s objectives are so well-aligned with
its own, said: “The maritime sector is wide-ranging,
covering everything from manufacturing to education, the
Royal Navy to commercial fishing and maritime legal and
financial services to leisure boating.
“In the past, the maritime industry has not recognised
its common interests, but now these have come together to
revitalise interest in the sea and those who use it for pleasure
and profit.”
The Navy is fully supporting the Sea Vision campaign which,
although a national one, “can only succeed through
the actions of those working locally, with local knowledge,” Lt
Cdr Hepburn pointed out.
Recent co-operations include a joint stand at this year’s
London Boat Show and the HMS Marlborough Challenge 2004 for
young engineers held in HMS Sultan.
In the run-up to 2005, Sea Vision will continue to take
part in public events and trade and careers fairs, using
them as platforms to work more closely with local partners.
Rear Admiral Adrian Johns, Assistant Chief of the Naval
Staff, has urged Royal Navy personnel to contribute any ideas
to promote Sea Vision.
“Sea Vision has a huge task ahead of it, with few
resources. My time here is certainly busy and challenging,” said
Lt Cdr Hepburn.
Ideas should be passed to Cdr Mike Blowers on 020 7218 0422. |
