“Dive and Thrive in the Cold” wins 2026 Life At Sea Competition
A dramatic image of a professional ice diver standing on sea ice by a ship’s rudder has won this year’s Life At Sea seafarer photography competition. Katie Higginbottom, Head of the ITFST said “This year’s winning images are a study in contrasts of scale, of texture, of work and rest, highlighting the huge variety and challenges of a life at sea.”
“Dive and Thrive in the Cold” taken by Rudolph L. Barredo was judged the first prize-winning image from the over four thousand images submitted to the competition this year. Judges noted the strength of composition with its combination of dramatic scale and atmospheric iciness. Competition judge Kristen Greenaway highlighted the “dramatic contrasts, the tiny against the mighty, the severe conditions, but the diver still doing his job.”
Second prize was awarded to John Paolo de Leon for his photo “Strength Beneath the Light”. Judges noted the perception of the seafarer’s vulnerability in the immense setting of the ship’s hold, but also the sense of calmness. Parwaz Mukadam, competition judge and last year’s winner said “The photo reminds you that every hard-working soul deserves a moment to rest before rising again.”
“Between Two Worlds” from Jaypee Canja Peruelo was the third prize winning image which judges said had extraordinary texture. Judges said that in addition to its quality, the photo also beautifully demonstrates the interface of small- and large-scale maritime trade.
The judges also nominated three Highly Commended photographs. Han Lwin Oo’s photograph, “The Connection” was commended for its portrayal of a comradely gesture between two seafarers whilst undertaking a risky and challenging job.
Below the Waterline” by Juven Tupas was chosen for its strong composition and character, emphasised by the playful pose of the seafarer. Judge Christina Manzano said, “The contrasts in this image are quite striking, showing that toughness and femininity, grit and grace, can coexist, reinforcing that women continue to take on some of the toughest challenges on board and redefine what strength looks like.”
Loid Anthony Cadunog’s image “Rest is a Luxury” of a tired worker taking a rest was also highly commended with judge Peter Iain Campbell noting its “really good perspective, composition and emotive tones.”
With over 17,000 images now included in the Life At Sea archive, the project continues to bring the real face of life at sea to the public through partnerships and exhibitions in museums and public spaces in countries across the world. We remain enormously grateful to all the seafarers who have contributed to this opportunity to share their experiences with us and help raise the profile of the men and women powering the global movement of goods and people by sea.
