Maritime Charity Column: spreading the word on mariners' welfare, by Andrew Jones, Nautilus director of welfare and care

I was pleased to recently host the UK's shadow minister for aviation and maritime Mike Kane MP on a tour of Mariners' Park, our fantastic complex for retired seafarers and site of the Nautilus head office.

Mr Kane was accompanied by Birkenhead MP Mick Whitley, and representatives from Wirral Council, Maritime UK, and Nautilus International.

The aim was to showcase all that Nautilus does for maritime professionals from the start of their careers to the end of their lives.

We gave our guests a tour of the retirement complex’s facilities, including the £10m newbuild offices and accommodation development.

It was heartening to hear Mr Kane acknowledge how vital maritime is and how delighted he was to visit Mariners' Park and see first-hand the excellent care and support that the Nautilus Welfare Fund provides to retired seafarers and their dependants.

Mr Kane said seafarers play a vital role in our economy and society, and pointed out that they deserve to have a dignified and comfortable retirement. He commended Nautilus International for their ongoing commitment to the welfare of maritime professionals and their families.

Since my last update around a year ago, the Park has welcomed the arrival of several new staff, including a care home manager, deputy care home manager and a new activities co-ordinator. We bid some farewells as well, and I pay tribute to the activities coordinator Roger Cliffe-Thompson, who did a sterling job for 10 years.

We are now keen to hear from more seafarers aged over 55 who are retiring imminently, as we have some lovely homes available to rent now at Mariners’ Park

The Maritime Charity Column is a regular feature in the Nautilus Telegraph. Submissions are invited from a range of organisations by the Telegraph editor.