The MVS was founded in 1994 following the disbandment of the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service (RNXS). The MVS is a national maritime training organisation with charitable status. It?ain purpose is to maintain & foster maritime skills in seamanship, engineering & harbour management branches.

The MVS is open to men & women, regardless of previous maritime experience. There are several categories of membership, including: Active, Back-Up and Supporter Lists.

Members wear uniform when on duty and there is a rank structure based on ability, experience & achievement of recognised standards. MVS members come from all walks of life and provide sea & shore support to the UK maritime sector both at a national & local level.

Those with with a nautical background & have practical experience can become instructors. Training is based on the selection of branch:

seaman,
engineer
shore support.

The MVS has its special syllabus based on merchant navy & ports industry training systems. Training is also aligned to the RYA syllabus. Members are able to train at their own pace and obtain nationally recognised qualifications.