Just Be Maritime is delighted to confirm that our Commercial Director, Andrew Hair, has today been named as one of twelve recipients in 2025 of the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service, in recognition of his services to maritime education and training. The recipients will receive their medal in a state ceremony later in the year.
The formal announcement by the UK’s Department for Transport and Maritime & Coastguard Agency is available at the following link:
Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service Recipients in 2025
In 1977 Andrew followed in the footsteps of his two naval uncles and enjoyed 19 years at sea with P&O/Princess Cruises, achieving Class 1 (Master Mariner) certification in 1989. Since 1997, he has worked ashore within maritime education and training.
After managing P&O’s officer cadet training scheme and completing an MBA, Andrew joined Warsash Maritime Academy in 2002, initially overseeing professional certification of cadets and officers before progressing commercial operations from 2007.
In 2011 Andrew became Academy Director and continued to advance professional standards and individual mentorship, increase trainee numbers, launch a dedicated ship handling centre, and create the Warsash Superyacht Academy.
As Director of Azimuth Nautical Solutions from 2017 to 2024, he managed delivery of specialist maritime training courses and established an innovative maritime simulation centre in Portsmouth.
From 2021, Andrew supported the formation and development of Just Be Maritime, a company dedicated to recruitment and management of UK officer cadets. He now serves as the company’s Commercial Director.
Andrew commented “I consider myself exceptionally fortunate to have enjoyed a varied and rewarding career in the maritime industry over the past 48 years, both at sea and ashore within maritime education and training. We can be rightly proud of our officer cadets and junior officers as they progress their careers with numerous professional opportunities open to them now, although we still need to encourage more young people to consider maritime occupations.”
“I am genuinely delighted and honoured to be nominated for the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service but must acknowledge the tremendous support I have received throughout my career from my extraordinary colleagues aboard ship and ashore. This is a truly unique industry that really does depend upon our exceptional people.”
