Seafarers showcase technical skills during China Maritime Day events

Forty contestants from shipping companies and maritime colleges across China competed in sailor knot tying, practical ropework and creative design at a national contest in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, on Thursday, as part of events marking the 2026 China Maritime Day.

The final of the second COSCO Shipping Cup Sailor Knot Competition was co-hosted by COSCO Shipping Group and the China Institute of Navigation, showcasing traditional seafaring skills and promoting maritime culture and talent development.

Contestants competed in three categories: speed, practical application and creative design. In the speed round, participants were required to tie a series of designated sailor knots within a limited time, with judges assessing accuracy, firmness and neatness. The practical application round simulated real maritime scenarios, including stretcher assembly for emergency rescue and the transport of barrels using ropes, testing both technical skills and teamwork.