Day of the Seafarer Wishes

The Day of the Seafarer is marked every year on 25 June. It was established by the International Maritime Organization in 2010 and first celebrated in 2011 to thank the seafarers who carry most of the world's goods. Ukraine also marks Maritime and River Fleet Workers' Day on the first Sunday of July. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians work on ships around the world, and for their families every voyage means waiting. Below are short Seafarer's Day wishes, words from loved ones, messages for colleagues, poems and gift ideas.

More for people on the move: Navy Day wishes, Railway Workers Day wishes, Motorists Day wishes.

Short Seafarer's Day wishes

• Happy Day of the Seafarer! Seven feet under the keel and a quick return home.
• Congratulations on your professional holiday! Calm seas, a reliable crew and smooth voyages.
• Happy 25 June! May storms pass you by and your home port always be waiting.
• Fair winds and happy contracts! Happy holiday, seafarers!

From family to a seafarer

• My love, you are far away but in my heart every day. Come home soon; we are waiting. Happy Day of the Seafarer!
• Dad, you are our captain even with an ocean between us. We are proud of you and counting the days.
• Son, may the sea be gentle with you and the signal strong. We are waiting at home!

For crewmates

• Crew, happy holiday! May the voyage be calm, the equipment reliable and the galley tasty.
• Captain, thank you for your reliability and experience. With you no storm is frightening!

Formal wishes

• Dear seafarers, please accept our sincere congratulations on the Day of the Seafarer. Your hard work keeps the world economy afloat, and Ukrainian seafarers represent our country with honour in every port.
• We wish you good health, safe voyages, fair contracts and peace.

Funny wishes

• May every port have Wi-Fi and every cabin a comfy bed!
• May your contract end on time and your pay arrive faster than the pilot boat. Happy Day of the Seafarer!

Seafarer's Day poems

May every sea be calm and kind,
Your compass always point you home;
May every voyage leave behind
Good memories of the ocean's foam!

Seven feet beneath the keel,
Fair winds and skies of cloudless blue;
May every port feel warm and real
And loved ones wait at home for you!

Gift ideas for a seafarer

Practical gifts suit a seafarer on a voyage: a power bank, good headphones, a warm sweater, an e-reader loaded with favourite books. The best gift is attention from home: a video call on the day or a parcel of homemade treats. And sea-coloured flowers are for the wives and mothers waiting on shore.

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See orchids and thank-you flowers.

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FAQ

When is the Day of the Seafarer?

On 25 June. Ukraine also marks Maritime and River Fleet Workers' Day on the first Sunday of July.

Who established the day?

The International Maritime Organization in 2010; it was first marked in 2011.

How do I greet a seafarer at sea?

Send a message or make a video call, and send flowers to the family on shore.

Parcels by sea and land are delivered by the post, whose day is 9 October: World Post Day wishes.

Sailors always need an accurate forecast; here are wishes for forecasters.

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.