Ahoy, readers! May is Maritime Month, and here at The Log, we’re practically bubbling over with excitement—after all, maritime is kind of our thing. From shipbuilding and sportfishing to ports and paddlecraft, we live and breathe all things sea-worthy. And while the month-long celebration is packed with events across California’s coast, we’re especially circling Thursday, May 22, for National Maritime Day, a day dedicated to honoring the legacy and ongoing contributions of America’s maritime industry and Merchant Mariners.
But first—what does “maritime” actually mean? According to Merriam-Webster, it’s an adjective relating to the sea, navigation, or having the salty swagger of a seasoned mariner. So whether you’re cruising a harbor, hauling lobster pots, or tying a proper cleat hitch, you’re part of the maritime mosaic.
Celebrations are already underway along the waterfront. The Port of San Diego is honoring the thousands who work along the bay by hosting free public bus tours of its two cargo terminals—offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the heartbeat of its maritime operations. Visitors will witness the flow of imported vehicles at National City Marine Terminal and see refrigerated and specialty cargo in motion at Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. The tours are free but require advance registration, valid ID, and some curiosity about the workings of the working waterfront.
Port Chair Danielle Moore sums it up best: “Maritime Month and National Maritime Day are an opportunity to celebrate our maritime history, and the many hardworking people dedicated to supporting the San Diego Bay waterfront.” In fact, this year the Port is also celebrating 35 years of Pasha Automotive Services at NCMT—where one in eight imported vehicles enters the U.S.
Meanwhile, the Port of Los Angeles is highlighting its major economic role, from cargo and cruise terminals to environmental initiatives like Alternative Maritime Power (AMP), which helps ships reduce emissions by plugging into shore-side power while docked. In San Pedro, the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial will once again host a memorial service and luncheon, offering a moving reminder of the people who keep our nation moving.
National Maritime Day also brings the spotlight to Washington, D.C., where the U.S. Department of Transportation will host a formal observance at its headquarters. The theme? “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance.” Across the country, maritime organizations and ports will fly flags high in honor of the hardworking men and women who make a living on the water—and keep our economy afloat.
The observance, officially recognized in 1933, marks the anniversary of the Savannah’s historic 1819 voyage—the first steamship to successfully cross the Atlantic from the United States to Europe. Since then, the maritime industry has grown to touch nearly every state, with careers spanning shipping, aquaculture, fisheries, shipbuilding, environmental work, and more.
So, how can you celebrate Maritime Month? Easy! Take a harbor tour, visit a maritime museum, talk to a local dockworker, or pick up a book on nautical history (or a copy of The Log— I know, a shameless plug). And don’t forget to follow your local port for special events, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes looks all month long.
Whether you’re a salty sailor, a weekend boater, or just someone who loves a good coastal breeze, this is your month to lean into the maritime spirit. Celebrate the history, honor the people, and maybe even learn how to tie a bowline or two. From all of us at The Log, happy Maritime Month—may your lines stay tight, your charts stay dry, and your stories be as endless as the sea. ⚓️
