Marine and River Fleet Workers' Day in 2025: date, congratulations

Every first Sunday in July, Russia celebrates the holiday of civilian sailors and other specialists in the field of water transport — the Day of Workers of the marine and River fleet. In 2025, it falls on July 6th. Izvestia tells about the history and traditions of this celebration.

The history of the Day of the workers of the marine and river Fleet

The holiday of civil fleet workers was established in 1980 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. The document noted that the celebration is introduced in recognition of the merits of workers in their field of activity.

The birthday of the Russian navy is October 30, 1696. On this day, Peter the Great signed a decree in which he decided: "There should be naval vessels." Even then, the tsar understood that for the further development of the country ships were needed, not only military, but also commercial.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the Russian Empire already possessed significant military and economic power, which allowed it to stand on a par with the maritime powers of that time. This period was also marked by the advent of steam-powered ships. The first Russian steamer made a voyage from St. Petersburg to Kronstadt in 1815.

One of the most significant events in the Soviet history of the civil fleet can be called the appearance of the Sovtorgflot joint stock company, thanks to which shipping became a single branch of the national economy. Many ports, ship repair and shipbuilding enterprises, as well as transport vessels of various departments came under his control. In just a year, Sovtorgflot was able to break even.

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For two districts of the Khabarovsk Territory, this is the only way to get to the mainland.

During the Great Patriotic War, the navy and the river fleet made an invaluable contribution to the support of the Red Army. From 1941 to 1945, more than 110 million tons of cargo and about 10 million people were transported along the country's inland waterways. And thanks to the river communication, the front and rear received about 200 million tons of payloads.

The "golden Age" of Soviet maritime transport occurred in the 1960s and 1980s. At that time, Soviet merchant and passenger ships were welcome in the ports of 130 countries on all continents.

Today, the Russian structure of water transport covers more than 100 thousand km of river and sea routes. About 80% of them are critically important for the delivery of goods and passengers, as they do not have a land-based alternative. In addition, Russia has a unique nuclear icebreaking fleet that ensures compliance with the country's interests in the Arctic region.

Marine and River Fleet Workers' Day in 2024 — traditions

The Day of the workers of the marine and river fleet is celebrated on the largest scale in the port cities of Russia. Rich cultural programs are being prepared for the holiday: concerts, festivals, vivid flash mobs, ship parades and exciting sports events. In some regions, the celebration ends with a colorful fireworks display.

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Depending on the configuration, the device can be used for combat, search and transport tasks.

On this day, the culprits of the celebration receive congratulations not only from officials, but also from colleagues, relatives, and friends. Special attention is paid to those who have proved themselves in the service — they are awarded well-deserved awards, prizes and certificates of honor for their professionalism and dedication.

Marine and River Fleet Workers' Day in 2024 — how to congratulate

Congratulations on the holiday are accepted by everyone who is somehow connected with water transport.: sailors and rivermen, the crew of passenger, cargo and icebreaking vessels, port staff, ship repairmen, students of water academies and veterans of the civil fleet.

Although the holiday always falls on a Sunday, most specialists celebrate it at the service — the summer navigation season is considered the busiest. For those who for some reason will not be able to be at home on this day, you should prepare a postcard with warm words in advance. Below are several congratulations options.:

"Congratulations to all employees of the marine and river fleet! May the wind always be fair for you, and the spiritual compass always leads to happiness. I wish you good health, inexhaustible optimism and achievement of your cherished goals!"

"I sincerely congratulate you on the Day of the workers of the Marine and River Fleet. Be brave in difficult moments, persistent in the pursuit of a dream, open to new experiences and kind to others. May there be as many faithful friends, sincere feelings and joyful moments in your life as possible."

"Happy Marine and River Fleet Workers' Day! I wish you to stay on your feet and believe in the best even in the most severe storm. Let your ship confidently cut through the waves of everyday life, without fear of shoals and reefs. I wish you good health, fulfillment of wishes and sincere love!"

"Congratulations to the sea and river workers on their professional holiday! May your ships always sail on the waves of good luck, and in life there will be a sea of joy and good mood. Thank you for your hard work and courage — you are real masters of your craft!"

Earlier, Izvestia told how Russia celebrates the Day of the Shipbuilder.