A WATERY life is portrayed in a unique new picture show coming to Weymouth.

Seafarers and those whose lives are ruled by the oceans are featured in the world’s first exhibition of photography that is submerged under water and aims to raise the profile of the maritime sector.

The exhibition, entitled Celebrations of the Sea, is touring some Sea Life Centres in the UK including Weymouth where the pictures will be displayed submerged in tanks.

It has been organised by the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, one of the UK’s oldest charities. Donations will support its work on behalf of retired and impoverished seafarers and their families in times of financial hardship.

The exhibition features photographs of people whose lives are dominated by the sea, including a number of celebrities such as sailor Mike Golding who is supporting the project.

All the subjects are photographed carrying out their ‘day job’ but underwater.

Taking the photographs was Bristol-based lenswoman Kate Westaway.

Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society chief executive Malcolm Williams said: “Celebrations of the Sea aims to honour the maritime industry’s unsung heroes from the fishermen who brave the UK’s stormiest seas, to traditional lobster pot makers who keep precious fishing traditions alive and our most talented chefs who turn the fish caught out at sea into the nation’s favourite dishes.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support shown to the society from headline sponsor John West, logistics provider CEVA and Sea Life for providing venues for the exhibition.”

The UK maritime sector directly employs more than 250,000 people and has a £37 billion turnover.

Over 95 per cent of all Britain’s imports and exports go by sea and 50 million people travel to, from and around the UK by ferry each year.

The sponsorship from John West is supported by supply chain management company CEVA Logistics, which is providing its vehicles to transport the images around the different locations.

Catch the exhibition at the Weymouth Sea Life Centre from November 15-21. Entry is free to those who have bought a ticket to visit the centre.