National Maritime Day2026 · Date · History · Messages
United States Code, title 36 §128
About National Maritime Day
National Maritime Day is observed in the United States on May 22. Title 36 of the U.S. Code designates this date and asks the president to encourage display of the national flag; the designation does not by itself create a paid federal holiday.
The observance recognizes merchant mariners, commercial shipping, maritime workers and their contribution to national life. It is distinct from Merchant Marine Academy events and other maritime appreciation campaigns.
Why National Maritime Day matters
Ships and merchant mariners sustain trade, move vital goods and have supported the country during emergencies and wartime. The observance offers a chance to learn about an often overlooked civilian maritime workforce.
Respectful commemorations acknowledge working and safety conditions rather than treating every maritime voyage as uncomplicated progress.
History of National Maritime Day
On May 22, 1819, the steam-assisted SS Savannah departed Savannah, Georgia, for Liverpool. Its voyage used both steam and sail; it was not a purely steam-powered crossing.
Congress designated May 22 National Maritime Day by joint resolution on May 20, 1933. The modern designation appears in 36 U.S.C. §128, which requests annual presidential proclamations rather than declaring a general work-free holiday.
What the evidence establishes
Confirmed institutional roles and milestones are shown first. Details that could not be established from the reviewed sources are listed separately below.
5 fields not established in reviewed sources
How to Observe National Maritime Day
Learn the documented history of U.S. merchant marine service from the Maritime Administration.
Thank active and retired maritime workers while respecting the privacy of named workers and families.
Explore port history, ship safety and waterways through a reputable maritime museum or educational programme.
Recognize the role of seafarers in supply chains and the importance of safe maritime working conditions.
National Maritime Day Facts
Observed each year on May 22 in the United States.
The 1933 congressional resolution followed the SS Savannah’s May 22, 1819 departure.
Title 36 §128 requests flag displays by individuals and government officials.
The cited federal observance law does not itself guarantee leave from work.
National Maritime Day Messages
Thank you to maritime families and crews for the care and skill their work demands.
Today we remember the importance of shipping, seafarers and safe waterways.
Topic and context
What this page does not assume
- Keep the source-defined country, community, organizer or institutional scope; do not silently broaden it.
- Do not treat the title alone as proof of government recognition or public-holiday status.
- Do not add a creator, founding story or origin claim unless the supporting evidence establishes it.
- Remembrance Civic Context Care.
Evidence & sources
Sources used across the guide are gathered here. Labels show how each source supports the page, and contextual references are kept separate from primary evidence.
MARAD — Maritime Day history (opens in a new tab)
Wave 373 Primary Or Authoritative
U.S. Code — 36 USC §128 National Maritime Day (opens in a new tab)
Federal Statutory Observance
Understand it, compare it, then explore further
Start with the most common factual questions, then compare closely related observances and explore useful connections.
Frequently asked questions
When is National Maritime Day?
22 May The documented recurrence rule is: 22 May.
Does National Maritime Day fall on the same date every year?
Yes. It uses a fixed annual date unless stronger evidence changes the pattern.
Is National Maritime Day an official public holiday?
The reviewed sources verify it within this scope: United States patriotic and national observance. That recognition does not by itself make it a statutory public holiday; the site only makes public-holiday claims when reliable evidence explicitly does so.
Who established or recognizes National Maritime Day?
The reviewed sources identify United States Congress as the proclaiming or establishing body.
Is National Maritime Day international or country-specific?
No single country is assigned to this observance. Its documented scope is: United States patriotic and national observance. Use that scope rather than assuming worldwide or country-specific status.
How is this page verified?
The factual information is checked against reviewed sources, including the date pattern, scope and institutional history. This page was checked on 2026-10-08.
When is National Maritime Day?
It falls on May 22 in the United States under 36 U.S.C. §128.
Is National Maritime Day a federal paid holiday?
The cited designation is a patriotic observance; it does not itself establish a general paid day off.
Why May 22?
It recalls the SS Savannah leaving port on May 22, 1819, for its Atlantic voyage using both sails and steam.
Who is recognized?
Merchant mariners and the wider maritime community, including people whose work supports shipping and waterways.
Other observances on May 22
These observances are also listed on May 22, 2027.
Commemoration of the abolition of slavery — Martinique
French Law no. 83-550 established the territorial abolition-commemoration public-holiday framework, Decree no. 83-1003 fixed 22 May for Martinique, and current Labour Code article L3422-2 p…
Harvey Milk Day
SB 572 (Chapter 626, Statutes of 2009) established the annual May 22 California designation; current CDE material cites Education Code section 37222.13.
International Day for Biological Diversity
A/RES/55/201
National Craft Distillery Day
National Day Calendar identifies Nicholas Strauser, Connie Strauser and Brandy Strauser-Sobanski of N Scott Distillery as the 2019 founders and records May 22 as the annual observance date.
National Vanilla Pudding Day
Two Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals chapter calendars list National Vanilla Pudding Day on 22 May.
World Goth Day
World Goth Day official material verifies May 22, a 2009 UK Goth Day precursor, 2010 global expansion, co-founders BatBoy Slim and Martin Oldgoth, and current community stewardship.