Merchant Navy Day was established by the Government in 2000 and is celebrated on 3rd September, the anniversary of the start of the Second World War. The day not only honours the courage and sacrifices of UK Merchant Navy seafarers during the wars but also celebrates the vital role that today’s mariners play in our everyday lives – navigating our seas to deliver essential goods like food, fuel, and medicines.
Here at the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, our connection to this maritime tradition runs deep. Founded in 1920, our Company has been the lifeline between the mainland and the Isles of Scilly for over a century, including during times of conflict and war.
War Time Scillonian
During WW2, between 1939 and 1945, Scillonian I completed an impressive 1,552 crossings, with only a single cancellation due to severe weather conditions. With the heightened risks of enemy attacks, the vessel was adapted with defensive armaments, and was manned by Royal Navy servicemen.
Captain Joseph Reseigh and Chief Engineer Alfred Nicholls, who both received MBEs for their dedication, led the crew with unwavering commitment.
Throughout the war, Scillonian I carried approximately 40,000 troops, alongside arms, equipment, and supplies, while also maintaining regular services for the islanders.
The vessel’s ability to navigate these perilous times without serious damage and without loss of life remains a remarkable achievement in the company’s history.
The spirit of service and resilience
This spirit of service and resilience continues in our operations today.
Join us in celebrating Merchant Navy Day as we highlight three of our modern-day seafarers, each representing the diverse roles that keep our fleet running smoothly.
From engineers and deck officers to captains and support staff, we are immensely proud of all our seafarers, who continue to serve our communities and deliver for the Isles of Scilly.
Here are just some of the seafarers who work for ISSG:
Jono Jackman – Gry Maritha Engineer
Jono Jackman first joined the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group back in 2006 as a steward on Scillonian III. During his spare time on board, Jono developed an interest in engineering and enjoyed watching the engineers at work. The chief engineer at the time, Ramsay Haxton, encouraged Jono’s interest and put him in contact with Maersk to work as a cadet on Emma Maersk, the largest container ship in the world at the time.
Leaving ISSG to start his cadetship with Maersk Line in 2007, he then qualified as an engineer in 2010 where he become a qualified engineer, sailing on large anchor handlers working in the Falkland Islands, West Africa and Brazil where he stayed for several years before moving on.
Jono left Maersk Supply during the 2015/16 downturn of the oil industry and eventually began working at British Antarctic Survey. After about a year at BAS he was offered the chance to join the new build project RRS Sir David Attenborough (SDA). Described as the “crowning jewel of my career as an engineer”, Jono was assigned to work on board a new-build ice-class ship in the UK. Being a part of the crew for five years, Jono saw the ship and teams come to life, facing challenges yet finding the experience ‘amazing’.
In July 2023 Jono left the Sir David Attenborough and British Antarctic Survey to take up a position with ISSG on the Gry Maritha – coming back to where it all began. When asked about how Gry compares to some of the ships he previously worked on, Jono replied: “The engineer position on Gry is a very solitary one, as it is a significantly smaller engine room with less equipment – however there is a lot less redundancy which means less time to think as all the gear we have we use every day.”
Speaking of his career, Jono added: “I’m hugely privileged with the career I have had; it has shown me so much of the world that I would not have otherwise seen. It is a career where you get to fix things and use your mind and your hands. I love my career path.”
David Redgrave – Scillonian III Master
David Redgrave has been an integral part of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group since 2003, when he joined as mate/master for Gry Maritha and then progressed to master in 2006. In 2010, David switched from Gry Maritha to Scillonian III and has been master of our passenger vessel for 14 years and counting.
Speaking of his time working for ISSG, he said: “After all these years I still love being at work on a ship. What really makes it for me is the camaraderie with my fellow seafarers, the challenges and variation that comes with no two days being the same, problem solving and the ability to build on my experiences and skills. The joy of being out at sea and experiencing the ever-changing scenery is something I savour.”
Prior to working for ISSG, David, at just age 17, started his marine career as a deckhand at Crescent Shipping until he gained a first certificate of competency and a second mate placement. Through self-funding, David continued to work hard to attain higher certificates of competency until achieving his master’s certificate of competency. He then worked for Falmouth Oil Services for 15 years – starting as a mate and progressing to a mate/master. This career growth gave him the confidence to take on new challenges and end up working as the much-loved master on Scillonian III.
Arthur Underwood – Lyonesse Lady Workboat Skipper
Arthur has just completed a two-year apprenticeship with Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, working as a workboat crewmember apprentice which has provided Arthur with a strong base knowledge for his role and setting the professional standards that are expected for the industry.
Speaking of his role, he said: “I have great job satisfaction in this role as providing for the off islands, a place that I used to holiday on as a kid, with a lifeline service is simply unparalleled. I am also grateful for the skills that have been provided by my ongoing apprenticeship to help make this possible. I have the Group to thank for that.”
