LOOK to the sea and get snapping.

That’s the invite to creative Dorset residents who are being urged to support the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society as it launches its annual maritime photography competition.

The ultimate sea view through a camera lens is being sought to celebrate Britain’s proud and enduring connection with the sea.

The competition has been launched to mark Seafarers Awareness Weekt his week and encourages amateur and professional photographers to enter pictures which best encapsulate Britain’s reliance on, and relationship with the sea, its ships and fishermen, coast and harbours, ports and wrecks, whether through work, recreation, art or sport.

The society, now in its 177th year, is on the lookout for images.

The competition is running via shipwreckedmariners.org.uk and across social media.

The deadline for entries is August 5.

The competition will be judged by a prestigious panel of experts, including the picture editor at the Sunday Times, Ray Wells, the editor of Amateur Photographer, Nigel Atherton, and head of pictures at The Independent, Sophie Batterbury. and the Chief Executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, Commodore Malcolm Williams.

Winners will be chosen in a number of categories including ships and wrecks, seascapes, industry and leisure. The first prize sponsored by MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company will be a seven night MSC Cruise for two.

Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society Chief Executive, Commodore Malcolm Williams, said: “As an island nation, Britain has a unique maritime heritage with a strong maritime industry and this competition aims to encapsulate our enduring relationship with the sea, our coastline and to celebrate those for whom the sea provides a livelihood.”

“Now in its fourth year, our competition has grown from strength to strength, with last year’s competition seeing almost 500 entries showcasing great talent, which makes the prospect of the 2016 competition a very exciting one.”

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society provides financial assistance to fishermen, mariners and their dependants who are suffering hardship, whether due to accident, ill health, unemployment or in retirement after a life spent working at sea.

To enter the competition, for full terms and condition and for more information visit shipwreckedmariners.org.uk or see the Facebook or Twitter pages