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 “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” reflecting the ocean’s vital role in the world economy, with more than 80% of global trade transported by sea. The theme reflects the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2025 World Maritime Day Theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”. 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 January 20^th – April 6^th, 2025 at 11:59 PM. 

En Español

Students are asked to submit an original poster that creatively depicts the relationship between Humans and the Ocean in the context of preserving the marine environment.  Students are asked their artwork address one or more of the topics below:  

• Our Ocean: A World of Diversity: Illustrate the rich biodiversity of the ocean, showcasing various species and ecosystems, emphasizing that the ocean is home to countless life forms that must be protected.
• Our Obligation: Protecting Marine Life: Create artwork that depicts actions we can take to protect marine life, such as reducing plastic use, supporting sustainable fishing, or creating marine protected areas.
• Our Opportunity: Sustainable Solutions: Visualize innovative solutions for ocean conservation, such as clean energy (e.g., wind, solar), sustainable aquaculture, or ocean clean-up initiatives, showcasing how we can create positive change.
• MARPOL: Illustrate how MARPOL impacts the ocean by preventing oil spills, practicing effective waste management on ships, and by protecting marine biodiversity from pollution.
• Ocean Guardians: Community Action: Depict local communities engaged in ocean conservation efforts, such as beach clean-ups, education programs, or advocacy for marine protection policies.
• Celebrating Marine Culture and Heritage: Depict how different cultures around the world celebrate and protect the ocean, showcasing traditional practices that honor marine life and ecosystems.

Twelve entries (six from grades K–5 and six from grades 6–12) will be selected as finalists based on the following criteria:

• Interpretation and clarity of the theme
• Creativity and originality
• Quality of artistic composition
• Overall impression of the artwork

The winning artwork will be featured on NAMEPA, USCG, and OAS-CIP websites. Finalists will receive a certificate and a calendar with the artwork from all 12 winners. Two grand-prize winning artists (one from each of the grade brackets) will receive, in addition to the certificate and calendar, a $100 cash prize and a USCG prize package. Full rules are posted below. 

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 April 6^th, 2025.

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 at LINK

For complete “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” art contest guidelines, submission instructions, prize details, and more information about the maritime shipping industry, visit LINK. If you have additional questions about the contest, please contact m.wesner@namepa.net.