Society launches 2023 maritime photography competition!

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society is once again on the lookout for photographers to submit their favourite images of the sea, for its eleventh annual competition honouring the UK and Ireland’s proud maritime heritage.

Launched to coincide with the charity’s Seafarers Support Week (25 June-1 July), the competition, supported by headline sponsor North Atlantic Fishing Company, encourages photographers of all abilities to submit images that capture the British Isles’ lasting relationship with the sea – including its merchant ships, fishermen, coasts, harbours and ports.

In the competition’s eleventh year, the Society is encouraging individuals to go out and capture new stunning sea views for their photo albums this year, with the overall winner receiving a £500 photographic equipment voucher.

In addition to the dedicated entry submission form on the Society’s website, entrants can also submit photos through its Instagram channel (@ShipwreckedMariners) by using the hashtag #SMSPhotoComp2023.

The competition will once again be judged by a prestigious panel of experts, including former Sunday Times Picture Editor, Ray Wells, Picture Editor of the i, Sophie Batterbury, and the Chief Executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, Capt. Justin Osmond RN.

Discussing the launch of the competition, Captain Justin Osmond RN, said: “Over the past decade it has been incredible to see the competition grow and the standard of entries continues to impress. Each year, it is amazing to witness the nation’s profound appreciation for our coastlines and maritime heritage. I am confident that this upcoming competition will be yet another remarkable event!

“While our maritime industry can often go unnoticed and unacknowledged, it continues to be vital in sustaining us as an island nation and the competition serves as a great platform for us to proudly exhibit and commemorate our extraordinary connection to the sea.”

Phil Haslam, managing director at North Atlantic Holdings Ltd , added: “We are thrilled to support the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society this year as the headline sponsor of the annual Ultimate Sea View photography competition.

“Given we have a home port of Hull and operate a fleet of British flagged fishing vessels, we understand the importance of seafaring careers to local communities and the UK economy. The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society is a charity close to our hearts, and our sponsorship of this year’s photography competition demonstrates our commitment to supporting those who are vital to our industry.”

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society supports fishermen, merchant mariners and their dependants who are suffering financial hardship, whether due to accident, ill health, unemployment or in retirement after a life spent working at sea. A total of £1.35 million was paid in grants during the past year in over 1,850 cases of need.

To enter the competition, individuals can submit their photographs through the dedicated form on the competition page.