On the 3rd of September 2021, Merchant Navy Day, The Australasian Institute of Marine Surveyors pays their respects and honours seafarers past and present who served on Merchant Navy vessels. Many marine surveyors begin their maritime profession on merchant vessels and we thank them for their vital contribution to the plentiful supply of goods we enjoy in our lucky country.

The Merchant Navy, Australia’s commercial shipping fleet, was a valuable resource during the Second World War frequenting trade routes to provide essential goods and supplies to Australians.  These ships were exposed to frequent attack and Merchant Navy Day acknowledges the anniversary of the first merchant marine sinking during World War II.

Sadly, today Australia’s merchant fleet has declined to only 14 Australian flagged ships despite our island continent reliant on shipping imports and exports.