An industrial maritime skills challenge that tests the skills, physical and mental strength, and endurance of vessel crews. It is typically held in a obstacle course format, with competitors competing in a series of physical challenges that may include tasks such as coiling and lifting heavy lines, carrying rigging, throwing and securing lines, and donning safety equipment.

 

Register: Select Your Division

@maritimethrowdown Discover the MTD Course! Our mission at #maritimethrowdown is to elevate skills and promote a safety-first culture within the inland maritime industry. By doing so, we're shining a positive light on this sector to attract and inspire the next generation of maritime professionals. Join us in our journey! 8 line handling obstacles, 3 knots, suitcase line, donn a type 1 . All throws are 10’!! You heard it 10 FOOT!! Finals Hosted by Inland Marine Expo at Music City Hall in Nashville!! $10000.00 on the line thanks to @UMC Marine and other supporters ♬ Fighters - OctaSounds

For the 2026 Season - starting in Paducah, KY in September 2025 - Maritime Throwdown adds three competitor divisions. 

  • PROFESSIONAL DIVISION is Maritime Throwdown (Main Division – Active Deckhands) For active deckhands up to first-issue master’s license. Core competition with full-scale industrial skill requirements. 
  • LEGACY DIVISION is for captains, office staff, service providers, and veterans with prior deck experience. Honors skill and tradition, keeping experienced mariners engaged.
  • JUNIOR DIVISION is for high school students (10th–12th grade). Introduces younger students to maritime fundamentals and safety culture.
  • CADET DIVISION is or maritime academy and training program students. Prepares cadets for industry-level skill testing and allows upward mobility into the Pro Division.

 

Industrial Maritime Challenge Nine Years And Going:

36+

Maritime Challenge Events

272+

Deck Hands Trained

$70,000+

Price Monies Awarded 

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Schedule (as of October 1, 2025)

Maritime Throw Down Competitions

2026 QUALIFIER TOURS:

  • October 18, 2025 Madisonville  Event
  • December 3-5, 2025 New Orleans' Workboat Event
  • February 2026 Chicago Shipmasters - Industry Day
  • March/April 2026 Port of Pittsburgh Event
  • April 30, 2026 WIMOS Skeet-Shoot Event
  • Look for Qualifier events with these Partners:
    • We Work the Waterways,
    • Living Lands and Waters

2026 FINAL:

  • May 28, 2026 Nashville's Music Center - IMX'26

2027 QUALIFIER TOURS:

  • June 2026 Yorktown, VA 250th Celebration Event
  • September 2026 Paducah, KY BBQ on the River Event