Did you sail in the Dutch Merchant Navy in the 1950s, 1960s or 1970s, and do you have any stories about LGBT+ culture onboard ships? For an oral history project, the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam is looking for people who are willing to share their stories on this subject – anonymously if you prefer.
The museum wants to capture the important stories of gay, bi and trans crew members for the future. Perhaps you deliberately chose a job at sea at a time of exclusion ashore? Was the ship a place where you could experience your identity in a freer way? What culture prevailed? Were you among like-minded people?
If you can help us, we would be pleased to hear from you by 31 March 2022 at: oralhistory@hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl
Sara Keijzer, Niels van der Linden and Tim Streefkerk
Netherlands National Maritime Museum
More letters
DP training was fine until the goal posts were moved
I very much agree with the letter written by member number 179359 regarding the high costs of attaining and revalidating dynamic positioning (DP) certification.
In memory of Anthony (Tony) Fell
In memory of Anthony (Tony) Fell, a former Council member and a Union member since 1963 who was dedicated to furthering the development of radio officers.
SED should be extended to all those at sea for over six months a year
Given the changes in the operation of UK-flagged vessels, is it not time for the rules around claiming Seafarers' Earnings Deduction to be reviewed?