- To read the famous poem “The Seafarer” by Ezra Pound, click HERE.
This year, once again, the annual Day of the Seafarer (DotS) will be celebrated on June 25, the International Maritime Organization reports.
The Day of the Seafarer (25 June) was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to adopt the revised International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention, which sets minimum qualification standards for masters, officers and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships and large yachts.
Officially, the annual Day of the Seafarer recognizes the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole.
The resolution ” . . . encourages Governments, shipping organizations, companies, shipowners and all other parties concerned to duly and appropriately promote the Day of the Seafarer and take action to celebrate it meaningfully.”
Day of the Seafarer is recognized by the United Nations as an observance day.
For 2024, the campaign will look at seafarers’ contributions to making the maritime sector a safer workplace, like Guice Offshore’s “GO Safely” philosophy of promoting an injury and accident-free culture.
#SafetyTipsAtSea will be the new hashtag for the 2024 campaign.
Read about the previous Day of the Seafarers HERE.
Watch IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez’ video message on the Day of the Seafarer 2024:
Message from the U.N. Secretary General
Following is a message on Day of the Seafarer 2024 from U.N. Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez:
“The Day of the Seafarer is a time to celebrate and recognize the two million people around the world who operate the ships that carry more than 80% of the volume of world trade.
“Seafarers are vital in ensuring a seamless flow of essential goods that eventually make it into markets, homes, and onto our tables. Without them, the world would not be able to transport the large quantities of commodities that societies require to survive.
“But their own lives have been put on the line in the face of grave threats. Attacks on international shipping routes and acts of piracy are unacceptable.
“Ships and seafarers must not be held hostage and hijacked.
“Seafarers should not be collateral victims in wider geopolitical conflicts.
Seafarers from across the globe provide a vital source of income to their families back home, while on long voyages at sea.
“Let us together salute them for their essential work and support their safety.”
Celebrating seafarers worldwide on June 25: International Day of the Seafarer
Below is the official press release from the International Maritime Organization (IMO):
On the International Day of the Seafarer, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez pays tribute to the 2 million seafarers who keep global markets functioning and supply chains going.
In a video message to seafarers, Mr. Dominguez said: “Seafarers have been sorely tested in recent years – facing hostile acts from piracy or in conflict zones. I humbly acknowledge seafarers’ resilience and sacrifice in the name of work.”
Without seafarers there would be no shipping. And shipping is a lifeline for global trade.
United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres marked the day, saying: “Seafarers are vital in ensuring a seamless flow of essential goods that eventually make it into markets, homes, and onto our tables… But their own lives have been put on the line in the face of grave threats. Let us together salute them for their essential work and support their safety.” (Read UNSG’s full statement)
Join the campaign: Share safety tips and experiences
To raise awareness about the safety of seafarers, an IMO social media campaign has been launched, focusing on safety at sea.
Seafarers are invited to share photos and top tips for safety at sea, using the hashtag, #SafetyTipsAtSea on Facebook, LinkedIn, X or Instagram.
Organizations, shipping companies and anyone in the wider maritime community and public are also invited to show support for seafarers by joining the conversation with the hashtag.
Mr. Yrhen Bernard Sabanal Balinis, also from the Philippines, added: “Communication is key onboard ships. Whether it be anchoring, pilot boarding, or mooring, the officers need keen situational awareness to ensure that things are running safely. . . But effective shipboard communication is not only limited to those. Is a crewmate feeling down, homesick, or anxious? Is abruptly agitated or constantly isolated? Has their performance drastically plummeted? Tactful communication plays an instrumental role in seafarers’ psychological safety.”
Follow the conversation using #SafetyTipsAtSea or #DayOfTheSeafarer
