The Trust's Patron, Alan stepped down at the 2017 General Election after 20 years as the Labour MP for Hull West and Hessle. During his Parliamentary career he held several cabinet positions including Home Secretary from June 2009 to May 2010. He is now a successful author, and he is very much in demand as a public speaker and to lead charities and other bodies.

Dominic Ward is the senior partner of Andrew Jackson Solicitors, a law firm founded in 1874 to serve the ship owners and merchants of the port of Hull. The firm has specialised in shipping law since its foundation and its client base is now international. Dominic qualified in 1987 and provides specialist shipping law advice to the Trust pro bono.

The Chair of Trustees, Paul has long experience in deep-sea towage and offshore chartering. The former Commercial Director of United Towing, Paul later established Specialist Marine Services Ltd, engaged in ship management services and a specialist rig moving service. He now heads SMS Towage, the largest independent port tug operator in the UK.

Robb was born in Hull and graduated from Hull University with a degree in Economic and Social history, later pursuing research for his PhD on the English fishing industry. He has worked in the field of fishing, whaling and the maritime history of Hull and the Yorkshire coast, contributing to a large number of articles and books of international maritime significance.

Nick’s Naval career spanned more than 30 years during which time he commanded HMS ENDURANCE in Antarctica. Promoted in 2007, he commanded Task Force 158 in the North Arabian Gulf, protecting Iraq's oil infrastructure. He was appointed Assistant Chief of Staff Operations and Capability RN Fleet HQ, and in 2013 set up Nick Lambert Associates advising on maritime issues.

As a Director of Andrew Marr International Ltd, Andrew brings an extensive knowledge of nautical matters to the project. The Vice Lord Lieutenant and a former High Sheriff of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Andrew is a direct descendant of the founder of Andrew Marr International, himself a close friend and confidante of Charles Hellyer, the originating commissioner of the Viola’s fleet.

Former Director of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and of the Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge, David is the Chairman of the South Georgia Association and Chairman of the Hull Maritime History Trust. He was Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull from 1999-2009 and in 2016 became Trustee Emeritus at the Natural History Museum.

Senior partner of Try Lunn & Co of Hull, a company dating back to 1879 which has always served fishing and maritime clients amongst its portfolio. Chris has many years’ experience advising and coaching business. His work covers tax, accountancy, audit and business management and his focus as trustee is to oversee finance and financial control of project funds and expenditure.