The world takes a moment to reflect on its oceans: discoveries; possibilities; uses (mis-uses); how it connects us; and more. World Oceans Day in 2021 is focussing on ‘Life and Livelihoods’. We know that we can all do more to protect our seas and other waterways, and we are committing to greater sustainable practices, products and processes, such as recently signing up to the United Nation’s Race to Zero campaign.
Amelia Gould
Combat Systems Programme Director, Naval Ships
The Ocean is where I am happiest - my best memories are of family holidays on the water, I run or walk by the sea to relax, and the work I do is inspired by desire to protect the sea
Alana Martin
SHE Advisor for Munitions
I’m passionate about our oceans and protecting the water around us and have been from a young age. In 2011, I completed my dissertation which was based on acid mine drainage from coal mines in the North East and Yorkshire as I was interested in the affect industry has on the water environment.
I love spending my free time on the water, especially Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP). It helps me to exercise after I was involved in an accident and I’ve found it to be a real release both mentally and emotionally. Being out on my paddle board or sometimes when I get the chance to swim in the open water, I feel free and find it easier to just focus on the present which helps me.
I love spending my free time on the water, especially Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP). It helps me to exercise after I was involved in an accident and I’ve found it to be a real release both mentally and emotionally.Alana
I’ve found SUP to be really sociable and go out on the water with a SUP group. I think it’s so important to protect our water and we do have to be cautious at times when out on our boards due to pollution from industry which unfortunately still enters our river systems and ends up going out to sea. We actively contact local councils and the environment agency to report any pollution we see. We’re also very keen to prevent plastic pollution and we take bags with us to remove any plastic waste we see as we paddle. We love the water and we hope we can play our part and leave the water environment better than we found it.
Alex
Maritime Services
To me, the ocean means the best, yet most low-key, beach holidays I ever took, playing on the sandbars near Swansea, or investigating rockpools in Port Isaac. Beaches have a little bit of magic about them that the very young see easily.
Tim
Principal Manufacturing Engineer, Submarines
My wife, Katherine, and I are Surfers against Sewage reps which all started last year after noticing the poor state of some of our beaches along the West Coast. We wanted to do more to improve our local environment but were a little overwhelmed at the task ahead. We started with some small beach clean events, and these quickly grew. We now aim to hold an event a month and are looking to tackle some of the worst areas along the coast line.
For me, the ocean and the coastline means a lot. I grew up in Jersey, the biggest of the Channel Islands, and the sea in some way or another defined life on the islands. We would all know when the next big spring tide was and fun times involved swimming, surfing or sailing. My first job was as a sailing instructor. As an engineer working on submarines, my lifestyle relies on the sea. I owe a lot to it, my life would have been very different without it. I want my 2 year old son to have the same opportunities and experiences I had - in a clean and healthy environment. When I was younger it was rare to find any washed up rubbish on a beach, now it's becoming commonplace. I'm very keen to turn things around.
For me, the ocean and the coastline means a lot. I grew up in Jersey, the biggest of the Channel Islands, and the sea in some way or another defined life on the islands. We would all know when the next big spring tide was and fun es involved swimming, surfing or sailing. My first job was as a sailing instructor. As an engineer working on submarines, my lifestyle relies on the sea.Tim
We can sometimes forgot how vast and important the ocean is to our climate, our wildlife and our lifestyles. However, it is the easiest of environments to maintain, we don't need to plant anything, re-introduce any new species or control existing species. We simply just need to keep it clean, and avoid any pollution or waste from entering - it has a fantastic way of sorting itself out! If we could encourage more to think and act a little more around how their lifestyle could be polluting our oceans it would be a great step in the right direction.
As a society we should be questioning and challenging more the material our items are made from, and asking could this end up in our sea at any point? If the answer is yes, we should be challenging ourselves, our vendors, suppliers and manufacturers to look at alternatives or question if we need it in the first place.
Geoff
Naval Ships
The Oceans are so important - they enable 95% of our trade, they are a source of life and food, and you can’t beat being on the sea for relaxation and freeing your mind!
Laura Balm
Senior Project Engineer, Submarines
What does the ocean mean to you?
The ocean is really important. Living in Barrow means always being close to the sea. The majority of my childhood, and now, is spent by the sea, whether that be on my Dad's boat, or spending time with my family at the beach. For me, it means being close to nature. My husband and I raised money for Sea Shepherd, a charity, in April 2019 by walking 'The Coast to Coast', so a lot of my hobbies are based around the sea.
Why is important we look after our waterways & oceans?
It's so important we look after our waterways and oceans – as us humans depend on it, as approximately 50% of the air we breathe is produced by the oceans, and regulates the climate. It provides recreation, and food to those who eat it. It is literally our life support system. This is why we must protect it at all costs.
“From loving living by the sea and fantastic holidays in Greece, including sailing, ultimately the ocean reminds why I do the job I do. Hopefully I help to minimize the impact on the marine environment from those big grey things we support!Claire, Maritime Services
Andy Gold
SHE Manager for Light Munitions
For me oceans, rivers and lakes are beautiful and hugely important from a food source perspective and we need to protect them. I enjoy spending time on the water in lots of ways, it is so versatile. Whether its fishing, diving, swimming or water skiing – I just enjoy being near the water in my free time.
I have recently re-started a childhood passion I had for canoeing and enjoy it even more when my niece is able to come out with me which she loves. Here’s a photo of us on Lake Coniston in April 2021. Canoeing helps me to get out of the hose in the fresh air, helps with my fitness and have some quality family time. I really enjoy it apart from when my niece splashes me which isn’t so much fun but she finds very funny!
For me oceans, rivers and lakes are beautiful and hugely important from a food source perspective and we need to protect them.Andy
Simply put, if we don’t look after the waterways we will lose access to these sources for food and sports that we love. We can all help to look after our water and oceans.”
Mark Rowse
Type 26 Combat and Complex Systems IPT Delivery Director, Naval Ships
I have a long association with the sea, both from a professional and personal perspective. I recognise the importance of the sea to our island nation but equally the importance of the oceans as a source of food and energy. More recently I’ve achieved a lifelong aim of owning my own boat which is based on the River Hamble, so the ocean means a lot to me.”
I grew up two minutes walk from the beaches north of Sydney, so to me, the ocean and water means home and comfort, the sound of waves always helps me get to sleep.Ross, Naval Ships
Chris Tyler
DTS and Combat Systems Strategic Tools Consultant, Naval Ships
Sailing for many years around the Solent you understand how important the sea is for relaxation and supporting all marine life. Around Portsmouth we have seals, fish and the occasional porpoise. Diving in the Solent is challenging and rewarding, exploring our underwater heritage. I’m glad that my three sons are into Marine Science and my daughter helps keep the local oil refinery as green as can be, situated on Southampton water. This picture is from one of the wayfarer dinghy trips I organise.
Emma
Maritime Services
The Ocean is where I am happiest - my best memories are of family holidays on the water, I run or walk by the sea to relax, and the work I do is inspired by desire to protect the sea
Tony
Maritime Services
I was born and lived all my life in Portsmouth. The Ocean has always been a huge part of my life. From swimming in the sea at a young age to my passion for Sea Angling. I have my own boat and am also a committee member of Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Angling club, and have been a member since the 1970’s. The club was formed in the base in the 1940’s and still actively fishes in the base.
I find fishing a great way to unwind, the tranquillity, catching fish and observing the wild life. In the base alone I have seen Kingfishers, falcons and the fish species are many and varied.Tony
The club was granted the exclusive rights to fish the jetties and follow a strict set of rules and regulations that ensure safe and enjoyable fishing, encouraging a catch and release policy. Members are from all areas connected with the base, both Naval and civilian.
I find fishing a great way to unwind, the tranquillity, catching fish and observing the wild life. In the base alone I have seen Kingfishers, falcons and the fish species are many and varied. There have been a few notable catches over the years, the current British Shore Record Bass of 19lb 13 oz came from the base. My personal best was a “mere” 10 lbs(see photo). I could not imagine life without living and working by the ocean.
Chris
Maritime Services
The sea is in my blood, I am 3rd generation ex Royal Navy. One of the things people tend to ask is, “What do you miss about the Navy?”. The simple answer is the Sea, floating in the middle of nowhere. When you are on duty you have the chance to go outside at night and there is no light pollution, just you and the sky; it is the most beautiful sight you will ever see, so clear, to this day 20years on I still miss the sea. I am lucky to work close to the sea everyday. My happy place is sitting on a Kayak just bobbing along relaxing.
Sustainability
We serve, supply and protect those who serve and protect us, in a corporate culture that is performance driven and values led. Our sustainability agenda supports this purpose.