INTERNATIONAL DAYGENERAL

Plimsoll Day

Every year on February 10, a sailor's best friend gets a birthday party. Plimsoll Day honors Samuel Plimsoll, the English reformer born on February 10, 1824, who stared down Parliament's shipowning barons and won. His weapon was a painted line on a ship's hull, the Plimsoll line, and it has been keeping overloaded vessels and the sailors aboard them safe ever since.

FEB10

Wednesday, February 10Every year on February 10

days to go

Roots: The observance's creator is unknown; it marks the February 10, 1824 birthday of Samuel Plimsoll, the British member of Parliament whose campaign for safer ships produced the Plimsoll line.
Also on Feb 10: World Pulses Day · Flannel Day · Home Warranty Day
Hashtag: #PlimsollDay

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3 ways to celebrate

WITH FRIENDS

Spot the Plimsoll Line

Walk a marina, harbor, or waterfront and photograph the load-line circles painted on working hulls, then compare finds and share the best shots.

AT HOME

Sailor Movie Night

Pick a seafaring film, pop popcorn, and start the evening by reading aloud the story of Samuel Plimsoll before toasting everyone who works at sea.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Thank a Seafarer

Write thank-you notes to a local port crew, donate to a seafarers' charity, or tell a sailor's story at the dinner table.

Plan ahead

Plimsoll Day is observed on February 10 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Tue, Feb 10this year

2027Wed, Feb 10

2028Thu, Feb 10

2029Sat, Feb 10

2030Sun, Feb 10

2031Mon, Feb 10

2032Tue, Feb 10

2033Thu, Feb 10

2034Fri, Feb 10

2035Sat, Feb 10

2036Sun, Feb 10

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Fast facts

In his 1873 book Our Seamen, Plimsoll documented that nearly 1,000 sailors a year were dying on British-registered ships alone, most lost when overloaded vessels sank in heavy weather.

Find a Plimsoll line on a ship hull or in a photo, toast "the Sailor's Friend," and thank a seafarer for keeping the world's cargo moving.