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National Maritime Day

Celebrate National Maritime Day - explore the wonders of the oceans and join us in honoring those who keep our maritime industry running strong!
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Category
Federal
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When it is?
May 22
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Country
United States
Introduction

Celebrate National Maritime Day on May 22 by honoring the rich history and traditions of sailing, fishing, and commerce on the open sea! This special day was created in 1933 to recognize the role that ships have played throughout history in connecting people around the world. From ancient explorers who first sailed across vast oceans to modern-day cargo vessels bringing goods from one continent to another, our maritime heritage is something worth celebrating.

History of National Maritime Day

National Maritime Day Dates

National Maritime Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1450</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Age of Exploration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Age of Exploration initiates with mariners like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama, leading to worldwide sea navigation and maritime trade.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1819</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>SS Savannah's Journey</div><div class='timeline-text'>The SS Savannah becomes the first American steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean, a key milestone in maritime technology advancement.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1914</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Panama Canal Opens</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Panama Canal opens, drastically shortening the time for ships to cross between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1933</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Maritime Day Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Maritime Day was established by Congress in 1933 to honor U.S. merchant marines and the maritime industry.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1956</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Containerization Revolution</div><div class='timeline-text'>The era of containerization begins with the SS Ideal X, transforming the shipping industry and global trade.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2022</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Present-Day Importance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Today, over 90% of world trade is carried by sea, emphasizing the continuing significance of maritime industry.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Maritime Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore a maritime museum</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to your local maritime museum and find out more about the history of the sea, its vessels, and the people who have explored it. Learn about all sorts of ships, from ancient vessels to modern day ocean liners.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go on a boat ride</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Pack your lunch and head to your local marina for a boat ride. Whether you take a chartered fishing boat or a tour boat, it is sure to be an adventure you won't forget.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a harbor</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Head to your nearest harbor and explore the many boats in it. See what kind of vessels are docked and learn about their purpose. You can also go for a walk or bike ride along the waterfront.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go sailing</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you have access to a sailboat, grab some friends and head out for the day. Spend some time learning how to sail or just relax in the sun while taking in the views.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find out if your local area hosts an annual Maritime Day festival, where you can enjoy music, art, food, activities, and more that are focused around water travel and exploration.</p></div></div>

Why We Love National Maritime Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Maritime Day celebrates the importance of water transportation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Maritime Day is a day to pay homage to the importance of water transportation and the impact it has had on our economy, culture, and history. From travelling merchants in the Middle Ages, to modern cargo ships that help bring essential goods around the world, it's worth recognizing the role maritime trade has played in our lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates seafarers & their hard work</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On National Maritime Day, we celebrate the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to making sure our ships and cargo safely reach their destination. Whether they're navigating dangerous seas or piloting enormous vessels, these seafarers are always putting their own safety on the line for our benefit.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes protection of our oceans</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Marking National Maritime Day highlights the need to protect our natural resources and strive toward a more sustainable approach when dealing with marine issues. Without healthy oceans, our way of life would be drastically impacted - so every effort made towards preserving them is important!</p></div></div>

5 Amazing Facts for National Maritime Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is the Only Federal Academy that Obligates Service after Graduation</h3><p class='facts-content'>Unlike other federal service academies, graduates from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy have a service obligation and can serve in any branch of the armed forces, the maritime industry, or as a uniformed service officer.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Jones Act Protects U.S. Shipping Interests</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Jones Act, passed in 1920, ensures that goods transported between U.S. ports are carried on American-built and American-crewed vessels. This promotes both economic and national security.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The IMO Regulates Global Shipping</h3><p class='facts-content'>The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, creates regulatory framework for global shipping to enhance maritime safety, environmental protection, and efficiency.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Maritime Accounts for a Large Portion of Global Trade</h3><p class='facts-content'>The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development estimates that around 80% of global trade by volume and over 70% by value is carried by sea and is handled by ports worldwide.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Seafarers Face Multiple Challenges</h3><p class='facts-content'>Seafarers often work for long hours, live in confined spaces for extended periods, and deal with the dangers of the sea, isolation, and separation from their families. This highlights the importance of their contribution and the need to ensure their welfare.</p></div></div>

National Maritime Day FAQs

When is National Maritime Day?

National Maritime Day is celebrated on May 22nd every year. In 2024 National Maritime Day will occur on a Wednesday.

National Maritime Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

May 22

Monday

2024

May 22

Wednesday

2025

May 22

Thursday

2026

May 22

Friday

2027

May 22

Saturday

Federal Holidays