The Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners' Royal Benevolent Society or the Shipwrecked Mariners Society for short, is a national charity founded in 1839, which operates throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, whose purpose is to provide help to former merchant seamen, fishermen and their widows and dependants who are in need. The Society, which operates through a national network of volunteers known as Honorary Agents, deals with over 2,000 cases of need a year.
In 1851 the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society begins its practice of giving medals and awards for saving life at sea.
Other awards issued by the society include the Edward & Maisie Lewis Award, the Lord Lewis Award, the Lady Swaythling Trophy, the Grace Darling Award and the Emile Robin Award.
The Shipwreck and Mariners' Royal Benevolent Society Medal also called the Shipwrecked Fisherman and Mariners Royal Benevolent Society Medal, has had several models since its origin.