A FORMER Navy captain has taken on a new role looking after seamen.

Following nearly 30 years in the Royal Navy as a Fleet Air Arm, Captain Justin Osmond has been appointed new chief executive of the Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners’ Royal Benevolent Society.

Capt Osmond, from Chichester, was the Commanding Officer of 1710 Naval Air Squadron, providing engineering support for all UK military helicopters across the world, and was also a chief engineer on Navy aircraft carriers.

Now he plans to devote his time to supporting fishermen, mariners and their dependants who have suffered hardship, misfortune or poverty as a result of being at sea or retirement.

He said: “The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society has a long and distinguished history, being one of the UK’s oldest maritime charities.

“It has been supporting merchant mariners, fishermen and their dependants in need for 179 years and I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve such a hugely important and frequently under-valued sector of UK society.”

Since leaving the Royal Navy, father-of-three Capt Osmond has been providing leadership support for some of the cyber challenges facing the Ministry of Defence, while also dedicating a significant portion of his time to the voluntary sector, including as chairman of a charity supporting an orphanage in Uganda.

Capt Osmond replaces Commodore Malcolm Williams, who is retiring at the end of March after 14 years in post.

In 2016/17, the charity paid out £1.4 million in grants in over 2,000 individual cases of need brought about by debt, illness, disability, unemployment or retirement.

Since 1839, the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society has provided financial and practical help, assistance and advice to seafarers and their families.

At times of desperate need, a friendly face and a dedicated case worker can offer support by providing real comfort, as well as companionship on dark days.

Volunteers, known as honorary agents, provide a helping hand to those in times of hardship. They work directly with beneficiaries all over the country and will often be from the local area.

Fishermen and mariners in need of assistance should call 01243 789329 or general@shipwreckedmariners.org.uk.

To donate, text SMSY11 followed by your donation of £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to 70070.

To donate online visit www.cafonline.org/charityprofile/shipwreckedfishermenmarinersroyalbenevolentsociety.