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. Other professional dates for the year are in our calendar of professional holidays in Ukraine.
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!
How to celebrate with the team
Thanks and certificates — recognise everyone's contribution, even with a few words at a team meeting.
Morning flowers for the office — a bouquet for the team or small arrangements on each desk set a festive mood.
A team photo — take a group picture to hang in the office or post on the website.
A wishes board — everyone leaves a few kind words for colleagues on sticky notes.
An informal get-together — lunch, a picnic or a board-game evening after work.
Toasts for the team celebration
Colleagues, here's to our profession! May our work bring not only a salary but also pride in what we do.
A toast to a team that isn't afraid of deadlines, inspections or Mondays. Cheers!
To the experience of those who've been here for years and the energy of those who've just joined. Together we're strong!
Here's to celebrating next year's professional holiday with new achievements and the same wonderful team!
What to write on a card with flowers
Happy birthday! May this bouquet remind you how many people love you.
For the best moments of the year — flowers, sincere words and hugs.
May every day be as bright as this bouquet.
Happy birthday! Wishing you health, peace and joy in the little things.
Sign the card by hand: even two lines in your handwriting mean more than a long printed message.
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.
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.
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