Students in grades K–12 are invited to participate in the annual calendar art contest sponsored by the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Inter-American Committee on Ports of the Organization of American States (CIP-OAS). The theme for this year’s contest is “Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future,” which aims to show support and appreciation for seafarers all around the world and showcase the vital role they play in the maritime industry. The theme reflects the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2021 World Maritime Day Theme. Submissions will be accepted from students across the Americas (North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean). Students living outside the Americas are welcome to apply, provided they have one or more parents on active duty with the U. S. Coast Guard. Submissions will be accepted from Jan. 11, 2021 to March 31, 2021 at 11:59 PM. www.namepa.net/art-contest.
Students are asked to submit an original poster that creatively depicts the vital role seafarers play in globalshipping, and their original artwork should be based on the contest theme description below:
Maritime shipping has existed for thousands of years – ever since the earliest humans took to the water to find food, building supplies, exchange goods and adventure. Throughout its history, shipping has evolved into the most environmentally friendly and safest way to transport goods around the world. Today, the maritime shipping industry transports about 90 percent of the items people use every day like clothes, cars, furniture, toothbrushes, phones and computers. In essence, global trade relies on shipping. And shipping relies on seafarers.
The global pandemic has brought into focus the important role seafarers place in the maritime industry. Many seafarers have been facing extended time at sea due to restrictions put in place by the pandemic – some going months without seeing family. As we enter 2021 the focus on the well-being of seafarers’ health and safety is forefront in the safe delivery of the world’s goods and energy.
Can you think of ways to depict seafarers as the heart of the maritime industry? Students are asked to submit an original poster, by March 31, 2021, depicting creative ideas about the vital role seafarers play in global shipping.
Twelve entries (six from grades K–5 and six from grades 6–12) will be selected as finalists by May 17, 2021. Winners will be required to submit their original artwork upon being notified of their selection as finalists. The winning artwork will be featured on the NAMEPA, USCG, and CIP-OAS websites as well as on a printed bilingual (English & Spanish) calendar distributed throughout the Americas. Finalists will receive a certificate and a calendar with the artwork from all 12 winners. Two grand-prize winning artists (chosen from the finalists in each of the grade brackets) will be selected and will receive, in addition to the certificate and calendar, a $100 cash prize and a USCG prize package.
For complete “Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future” art contest guidelines, submission instructions, prize details, and more information about the maritime shipping industry, visit www.namepa.net/art-contest. If you have additional questions about the contest, please contact contesthelp@namepa.net.
Who: Students in grades K–12
What: Each entry must be a two-dimensional, original piece of artwork done on white poster board with dimensions of 24” x 18” or 32” x 24” (61 cm x 46 cm or 81 cm x 61 cm) in the landscape orientation. Any art medium may be used; however, computer graphics will not be accepted. Bright colors should be used because they are best for reprinting. Any artwork that includes copyrighted or trademarked product names will be disqualified. The student’s name or school should not appear on the front or back of the artwork.
When: All entries must be uploaded by March 31, 2021.
How: You must take a high-resolution (at least 3072 x 2304 pixels) digital photograph of your poster in order to submit your entry. You or your teacher/facilitator must then upload the digital photo of your poster along with your name, grade, school/after-school program name, school/after-school program address, and teacher/facilitator’s name, phone number, and e-mail address via the submission form HERE!
North American Marine Environment Protection Association
The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a marine industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake and river resources. For more information visit www.namepa.net.
The United States Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard is one of the five armed forces of the United States and the only military organization within the Department of Homeland Security. Since 1790 the Coast Guard has safeguarded our maritime and environmental interests around the world. The Coast Guard is an adaptable, responsive military force of maritime professionals whose broad legal authorities, capable assets, geographic diversity and expansive partnerships provide a persistent presence along our rivers, in the ports, littoral regions and on the high seas. Coast Guard presence and impact is local, regional, national and international. These attributes make the Coast Guard a unique instrument of maritime safety, security and environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.uscg.mil.
CIP-OAS
The Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP) of the Organization of American States (OAS) brings together the National Port Authorities of all 35 sovereign nations of the Americas and facilitates the development of competitive, sustainable, secure, and inclusive ports in the Hemisphere by actively facilitating cooperation between the highest governmental level and the private sector. CIP collaborates with its nearly 100 members, associate members and strategic partners to promote the protection of the marine environment and sustainable port management practices, competitive logistics, protection and security, tourism and services to ships, legislation and regulation, and social responsibility and gender equality. For more information, visit http://portalcip.org.
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media