This year, the charity’s annual competition received nearly 1,000 quality entries from amateur and professional photographers alike, with the judging panel awarding the overall prize to David Stearne for his entry, ‘Standing on the shoulders of giants – to get the ultimate sea view!’, an incredible shot of a seagull perched on top of the Mediterranean Gull statue at Folkestone Harbour in Kent. The image won the photographer a £1,000 prize voucher for photographic equipment.

In addition to the overall prize, winners were also named in five categories. These included returning favourites – Coastal Views, People and Recreation, Industry, and Ships and Wrecks – as well as a newly introduced category for this year’s competition, Maritime Security.

• Coastal Views: Thomas Rutherford – ‘Monster wave crashing over the Harbour wall’ taken in Seaham Harbour, County Durham
• People and Recreation: Clive Blount – ‘Hard fought’ taken in Cowes, Isle of Wight
• Industry: Ian Douglas – ‘Recovery’ taken in Cromer, Norfolk
• Ships and Wrecks: Gary Beale – ‘The SS Denham’ taken in Leasowe Bay, Wirral
• Maritime Security: John Crisp – ‘Sitting in The Darkness’ taken in Loch Long, Scotland

The winning images were selected by a prestigious panel of photography and maritime experts, which comprised Sophie Batterbury, picture editor of the i, former Sunday Times picture editor, Ray Wells and Chief Executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, Captain Justin Osmond RN.

The Society, which provides financial support to former seafarers and their dependants, encouraged photographers of all abilities to submit pictures that captured the essence of the UK’s enduring connection with the sea, including merchant ships, fishermen, coastline, harbours, ports and wildlife.

Captain Justin Osmond said, “Now in its thirteenth year, the Ultimate Sea View photography competition continues to showcase the nations love for our coastlines and the pride we take in our maritime heritage. Despite the ongoing challenges faced by our seafaring community, their outstanding contribution remains vital to our daily lives. That’s why it remains important that we use the competition as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the UK and Ireland’s maritime industry and ensure that those working within it have access to essential support.

“We thought that David Stearne’s winning image, ‘Standing on the shoulders of giants – to get the ultimate sea view!’, was both powerful and humorous, showcasing the bold recreational elements of our maritime heritage. Its scale and perspective captured the judges’ attention immediately, standing out as a true ‘Ultimate Sea View’. As always, on behalf of the Society, I would like to say a massive thank you to all of those who entered this year, and we look forward to seeing your images in 2026!”

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. Last year, the Society distributed grants amounting to £1.4 million in over 2,000 cases of need.

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We welcome photographers of all abilities to capture breathtaking seascapes for their collections, with the grand prize of a £1,000 photographic equipment voucher. Submissions can be made via the Society’s website using the dedicated entry form or through our Instagram channel (@ShipwreckedMariners) by using the hashtag #SMSPhotoComp2025.

2024 Photography Competition winner: Paul Newman – ‘The Beer Fleet’

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: “As we launch this year’s competition, I continue to be inspired by the creativity and passion shown by entrants from across the nation. Year after year the entries reflect not only exceptional talent, but a deep respect for the UK and Ireland’s coastlines and maritime heritage. I am confident this upcoming competition will be yet another fantastic showcase!

“While our maritime industry can often go unnoticed and unappreciated, its role in shaping our past, supporting our present, and securing our future cannot be overstated. The competition serves as a great platform for us to proudly exhibit and commemorate our enduring connection to the sea.”

To enter the competition, submit your images through the Society’s dedicated form by 18 August 2025. You can also send entries via email, post, or through Instagram (@ShipwreckedMariners) with #SMSPhotoComp2025.

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This year, the charity’s annual competition received nearly 700 quality entries from amateur and professional photographers alike, with the judging panel awarding the overall prize to Paul Newman for his entry, ‘The Beer Fleet’, an incredible landscape shot of five fishing vessels lining the shore, taken in Beer, Devon. The image won the photographer a £500 prize voucher for photographic equipment.

In addition to the overall prize, winners were also named in four categories:

• Coastal Views: Mike Morley – ‘Saltburn from the air’ taken in Saltburn, North Yorkshire
• Recreation: Paul Adams – ‘Links Market Europe’s Longest Street Fair’ taken in Kirkcaldy, Scotland
• Industry: Raymond Watson – ‘Catch of the day’ taken in Troon Harbour, Ayrshire
• Ships and Wrecks: Matt Menhenett – ‘EWNHEANS’ (Repair) taken in Padstow, Cornwall

The competition was judged at Trinity House earlier this month by a prestigious panel of photography experts, with picture editor of the i, Sophie Batterbury, and former Sunday Times picture editor, Ray Wells joining Chief Executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, Captain Justin Osmond RN.

The Society, which provides financial support to former seafarers and their dependants, encouraged photographers of all abilities to submit pictures that captured the essence of the UK’s enduring connection with the sea, including merchant ships, fishermen, coastline, harbours, ports and wildlife.

Captain Justin Osmond said, “In the twelfth year of the Ultimate Sea View photography competition, it is incredible to see the nation still enjoying our coastlines and supporting our maritime industry with a passion. Our seafaring community continues to face significant challenges every year despite the outstanding contribution it makes to our daily lives, so it is important that we are able to use the competition as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the UK and Ireland’s maritime industry – and ensure that those working within it have access to vital support.

“We thought that Paul Newman’s winning image, ‘The Beer Fleet’, was such a bold image, and really showcased the best of Britain’s shorelines. Each boat, with its own unique character, encapsulates the hardworking essence of a coastal fishing community. It was particularly striking to the judges – and definitely an ‘Ultimate Sea View’. As always, on behalf of the Society, I would like to say a massive thank you to all of those who entered this year and hopefully we will see you back again in 2025!”

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.

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The competition 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 twelfth year, the Society is encouraging individuals to go out and capture new stunning sea views for their photo albums, 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 #SMSPhotoComp2024.

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: “For more than a decade it has been incredible to see the competition grow and the standard of entries continues to impress. Each year it’s amazing to witness the nation’s profound appreciation for our coastlines and maritime heritage. I am confident 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 enduring connection to the sea.”

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 website page before the deadline on 23 August 2024. Photographers can also enter their pictures via email, post or on the Society’s Instagram channel (@ShipwreckedMariners) using the hashtag #SMSPhotoComp2024.

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This year, the charity’s annual competition received more than 1,000 entries from amateur and professional photographers alike, with the judging panel awarding the overall prize to Ian Watkin for his entry, ‘Can someone please let me out now’, an incredible close up shot of a juvenile Whiting fish trapped inside a Compass jellyfish, taken in Harlyn Bay, Cornwall. The image won the photographer a £500 prize voucher for photographic equipment.

In addition to the overall prize, winners were also named in four categories:

• Coastal Views: Richard Thomas – ‘Mousehole Harbour from above’ taken in Mousehole, Cornwall
• People and Recreation: Clive Bount – ‘One minute to the gun’ taken in Cowes, Isle of Wight
• Industry: Shaun Hykel – ‘A night in port’ taken in Felixstowe, Suffolk
• Ships and Wrecks: Darren Cottrell – ‘Dorset wreck’ taken in Dorset

The competition, supported by headline sponsor North Atlantic Fishing Company, was judged at Trinity House earlier this month by a prestigious panel of photography experts, with picture editor of the i, Sophie Batterbury, and former Sunday Times picture editor, Ray Wells joining Chief Executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, Capt. Justin Osmond RN.

The Society, which provides financial support to former seafarers and their dependants, encouraged photographers of all abilities to submit pictures that captured the essence of the UK’s enduring connection with the sea, including merchant ships, fishermen, coastline, harbours and ports.

Captain Justin Osmond said, “As we are now in the eleventh year of the photography competition it is amazing to see the nation still enjoying our coastlines and supporting our maritime industry with a passion. Our seafaring community continues to face significant challenges every year despite the outstanding contribution it makes to our lives, so it is important that we are able to use the competition as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate our maritime industry and ensure that those working within it have access to vital support.

“We thought that Ian Watkin’s winning image, ‘Can someone please let me out now’, was such an incredibly striking image, and really like nothing else we’ve seen before in this competition. It encapsulates the uniqueness in Britain’s relationship with the sea and its wildlife, an area of the industry which can often be forgotten, but was particularly interesting to the judges – and definitely an ‘Ultimate Sea View’. As always, on behalf of the Society, I would like to say a massive thank you to all of those who entered this year and hopefully we will see you back again in 2024!”

Phil Haslam, Managing Director at North Atlantic Holdings Ltd, added:

“We are proud to have been able to support the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society this year as the headline sponsor of the annual Ultimate Sea View photography competition. The charity’s mission is close to us as part of the maritime sector, and sponsoring this year’s competition further endorses our commitment to support the industry, and the people who are vital to its future.

“Every year, the competition gets stronger and stronger, and this year is no different with a brilliant turnout. There was a wonderful selection of entries and as we have operated our fleet at North Atlantic since being established in the UK in 1984, it is great to see so many other people celebrating our country’s rich maritime heritage.”

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 £1.3 million was paid in grants during the past year in over 1,200 cases of need.

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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.

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The competition, which ran across the Society’s social media channels, asked the public to vote for their favourite image submitted into the charity’s annual maritime photography competition over the past 10 years.

The photograph which received the most votes, and as such has been named as the ‘Best of the Best’, was ‘Pinnace and Barges Rot in Their Graveyard in the Medway Mud’ by David Stearne, submitted to the Society’s 2021 competition, in which it won in the Ships & Wrecks category.

The second and third most popular images were ‘Mylor Harbour’ by Ian Butler and ‘The Stacs of St Kilda’ by John Dyer.

The Society wishes to congratulate David on his victory and thank everyone who has supported the competition over the past decade.

Keep your eyes peeled over the coming months for more information on 2023’s Ultimate Sea View competition!

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This year, the charity’s annual competition received more than 1,000 entries from amateur and professional photographers alike, with the judging panel awarding the overall prize to Justin Minns for his entry, ‘The Old Oyster Beds’, a stunning aerial shot taken in Brightlingsea, Essex. The image won the photographer a £500 prize voucher for photographic equipment.

In addition to the overall prize, winners were also named in four categories:

• Coastal Views: Andrew Hocking – ‘Unicorn’ taken in Godrevy, Cornwall
• People and Recreation: Jason Thompson – ‘My Playground’ taken on Skegness Beach
• Industry: Jonathan Killick – ‘Wind Turbines’ taken in Lincolnshire
• Ships and Wrecks: Justin Minns – ‘Scattered’ taken at Thames Estuary, Essex

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The competition was judged at Trinity House earlier this month by a prestigious panel of photography experts, with online picture editor at The Telegraph, Neil Stevenson, former Sunday Times picture editor, Ray Wells and picture editor of the i, Sophie Batterbury joining Chief Executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, Capt. Justin Osmond RN.

The Society, which provides financial support to former seafarers and their dependants, encouraged photographers of all abilities to submit pictures that captured the essence of the UK’s enduring connection with the sea, including merchant ships, fishermen, coastline, harbours and ports.

Captain Justin Osmond said, “As we are now in the tenth year of the photography competition it is amazing to see the nation still enjoying our coastlines and supporting our maritime industry with a passion. To receive the same fantastic standard of images as when we first launched the competition a decade ago is brilliant to see.

“Our seafaring community continues to face significant challenges every year despite the outstanding contribution it makes to our lives, so it is important that we are able to use the competition as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate our maritime industry and ensure that those working within it have access to vital support.

“We thought that Justin Minns’ winning image, ‘The Old Oyster Beds’, really encapsulated the beauty in Britain’s coastlines, an area of the fishing industry which can often feel neglected, but was particularly striking with the shipwreck’s presence alongside the oyster beds. As always, on behalf of the Society, I would like to say a massive thank you to all of those who entered this year and hopefully we will see you back again in 2023!”

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 £1.3 million was paid in grants during the past year in over 1,700 cases of need.

The post 2022 Ultimate Sea Views revealed! appeared first on Shipwrecked Mariners' Society.

Launched ahead of the charity’s Seafarers Support Week (26 June-2 July), the competition encourages photographers of all abilities to submit images that capture the UK’s lasting relationship with the sea – including its merchant ships, fishermen, coasts, harbours and ports.

In celebration of the competition’s tenth year, the Society is encouraging individuals to go out and capture new 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 #SMSPhotoComp2022.

The competition will once again be judged by a prestigious panel of experts, including Online Picture Editor at The Telegraph, Neil Stevenson, 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 in its tenth year, Captain Justin Osmond RN, said: “Over the last decade it has been incredible to see the competition grow year on year. It is amazing to see the nation enjoy our coastlines and support our maritime industry with a passion each year and I know this competition will be another special one!

“Although it can often suffer from being out of sight and out of mind, our maritime industry is truly essential in keeping us going as an island nation and enabling us to go about our daily lives, with the competition a great way of us showcasing and celebrating our special relationship with the sea.”

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 £1.3 million was paid in grants during the past year in over 1,700 cases of need.

The post Society launches tenth photography competition! appeared first on Shipwrecked Mariners' Society.

This year, the charity’s annual competition received more than 1,500 entries from amateur and professional photographers alike, with the judging panel awarding the overall prize to Michael Marsh for his entry, ‘The Fisherman’s Wake’, showing a stunning aerial shot of a fishing trawler taken in Whitstable, Kent. The image won the amateur photographer a £500 prize voucher for photographic equipment.

In addition to the overall prize, winners were also named in four categories:

• People & Recreation: Jacky Pratt – ‘Hopeman Happiness’ taken in Moray, Scotland
• Coastal views: David Dodds – ‘St Mary’s Lighthouse’ taken in Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear
• Industry: Chris Mole – ‘Old Rope’ taken in Newgale, Pembrokeshire
• Ships & Wrecks: David Stearne – ‘Pinnace And Barges Rot In Their Graveyard In The Medway Mud’, taken on the Hoo Peninsular, Kent

The competition was judged virtually on 8 September by a prestigious panel of photography experts, with Online Picture Editor at The Telegraph, Neil Stevenson, joining 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.

The Society, which provides financial support to former seafarers and their dependants, encouraged photographers of all abilities to submit pictures that captured the essence of the UK’s enduring connection with the sea, including merchant ships, fishermen, coast, harbours and ports.

Captain Justin Osmond said, “As we are now in the ninth year of the photography competition, it’s brilliant to see the same level of enthusiasm and to be receiving the same fantastic standard of images as when we first launched the competition almost a decade ago. This year, whilst the difficulties associated with the pandemic seem to be receding, there are still many challenges facing the seafaring community and the competition gives us a great platform to acknowledge and celebrate our maritime community and ensure that those working within it have access to vital support.

“We thought that Michael Marsh’s winning image, ‘The Fisherman’s Wake’, really encapsulated the fishing sector, an area of Britain’s industry which has taken a significant hit due to Covid-19 and was particularly striking with the trawler being alone out at sea. We hope that next year – as we celebrate ten years of the competition – is the best contest yet and on behalf of the Society, I would like to say a massive thank you to all of those who entered this year and hopefully we will see you back again in 2022!”

At the start of the pandemic, the Society launched a £1m Covid response fund, supplementing the Society’s existing annual grant expenditure, aiming to provide support for working maritime professionals impacted by the pandemic. The fund continues to be effective this year, with the charity’s applications for grants during this period more than doubling, highlighting just how many livelihoods within the industry have been affected by the crisis.

To view a full gallery of this year’s winning images, visit: https://shipwreckedmariners.org.uk/photography-competition-2021/. If you are in the position to donate to the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, you can find out how to do so here: https://shipwreckedmariners.org.uk/support-us/donations/

Full list of winners and commendations:

Overall Winner:

• Michael Marsh – The Fisherman’s Wake

Category Winners:

Coastal Views:

• David Dodds – ‘St Mary’s Lighthouse’ (Winner)
  • Ian Finlayson – Evening Cast (Highly Commended)

People & Recreation:

• Jacky Pratt – Hopeman Happiness (Winner)
  • James Gunn – Wave Rider (Highly Commended)

Industry:

• Chris Mole –  Old Rope (Winner)
  • Tom Collins – LPG Tanker ‘Bayamo’ Leaving the River Tees and Passing the EDF Teesside Wind Farm (Highly Commended)

Ships & Wrecks:

• David Stearne – Pinnace And Barges Rot In Their Graveyard In The Medway Mud (Winner)
  • Susan Pilcher – Fairchance of Stars (Highly Commended)

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