About The HMS Conway Trust
The HMS Conway Merchant Navy Cadet School was founded on the Mersey in 1859. It moved to the Menai Straits in N Wales in 1940. It aimed to prepare young men for careers as Officers in the British Merchant Navy. Many thousands of young men were trained and educated there, and then qualified as Merchant Navy Officers. Many of them went into other walks of life – maritime and non maritime.
The school closed in 1974 because of changes in the secondary and further education systems and changes in Merchant Navy Training. Now the Conway Merchant Navy Trust, its successor, maintains the same objectives and offers sponsorship to a limited number of young men and women each year wishing to become Deck or Engineer Officers. The Trust is a Registered Charity and is run with the co-operation of the UK Chamber of Shipping. The Trust is governed by a board of Trustees some of whom are themselves ‘Old Conways’, whilst others are drawn from all parts of the Shipping industry. Most have served at sea in the Merchant or Royal Navies.
Gallery
Click one of the images below for a closer view…
Interior of the Swan
Links
The Chamber of Shipping of the UK
Represents British Shipping Companies. Contains further useful information on careers at sea. Supports the Conway MN Trust.
The Merchant Navy Training Board
In co-operation with the industry sets and maintains training standards.
Careers at Sea
The Central site for Careers at Sea information – run by the MNTB (above).
The Marine Society
The world’s oldest seafarer’s charity: a range of services dedicated to enhancing the well being of professional seafarers from all the sea services – whether they be serving, former or prospective seafarers.
The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology
The IMarEST is the international professional membership body and learned society for marine professionals, with over 14,000 members worldwide involved in all aspects of Marine engineering, science and technology.
The Nautical Institute
The professional institute for Merchant Navy (and Royal Navy) Navigating (Deck) Officers. Also contains links to other maritime web sites at home and abroad.
Liverpool John Moore’s University
The city has always been a major seaport and centre of maritime training.
The Honourable Company of Master Mariners
City Livery Company for Master Mariners based on the Thames. Many Old Conways are members and now some Conway trainees are Junior members.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
The London based branch of the UN which is responsible for all international matters relating to safety at sea, including the qualifications of seafarers.
HMS Conway Web Site
An interesting site covering the history of the HMS Conway Cadet School. Acts as a focal point on the internet for the many ‘old Conway’s around the world.