Nautilus official to step down as MUK Pride in Maritime chair after four years of progress for LGBT+ maritime professionals

Nautilus's head of international relations, Danny McGowan, is stepping down as chair of Maritime UK's Pride in Maritime network after a second successful two-year term, during which the organisation has helped with several important steps for LGBT+ people in the industry.

Although Mr McGowan has come to the end of his term of office for Maritime UK, he will continue to support Nautilus International's own diversity activities, including the Equality and Diversity Forum. He will also continue to provide a valuable Nautilus input to ongoing diversity work at the International Transport Workers' Federation.

'It has been a pleasure to lead the network for Maritime UK since we started the initiative in May 2020,' Mr McGowan said.

'Our most notable achievement has been to make the topic a point of regular discussion, demystifying the concept of Pride. This has set us on a pathway to ensuring the maritime industry is one in which everybody feels welcome, and where everybody feels able to enjoy long and successful careers.

'We have held multiple network meetings, allowing LGBT+ people and allies to get together and discuss common topics of interest and initiatives. We have also held Pride in Maritime round tables at which we have invited industry leaders to discuss ways that they can support diversity programmes. Importantly, we established Pride in Maritime Day as an annual event on 28 February, which we hope will be an enduring legacy both in the UK and further afield.'

'The concept of visible leadership has been a recurring theme, and this is a concept that I will take with me, continuing to advocate for all areas of diversity as head of international relations at Nautilus International. I hope that the friends and contacts that I have made over the last four years will stay in touch with me through Nautilus, where we will continue our important work on diversity, equity and inclusion for maritime professionals .'

If you would like to take apply for the position of chair of the Pride in Maritime network, please email Scarlett Black, head of programmes at Maritime UK.