Day of the SEAFARER 2024

The 2024 campaign is centred around Safety Tips At Sea.

The Day of the Seafarer (25 June) was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to adopt the revised STCW Convention. Its stated purpose is to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society.

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. This day is an annual celebration organised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to recognise the contribution that seafarers make to our everyday lives.

The role of seafarers often goes under-appreciated within the maritime industry and by the public. Seafarers are an essential component in world trade, keeping the economy moving and delivering the goods and fuels we use every day.

Day of the Seafarer was first held in 2010 following the publication of a revised set of international laws (MLC) which were agreed to ensure that all seafarers receive the same levels of training, general welfare and safety standards.

Day of the Seafarer is aimed at the general public to  become more aware of the role that seafarers play in their lives and why they are so fundamental in determining the prosperity of the worldwide economy.

The 2024 campaign is centred around Safety Tips At Sea. It is important that those who work out at sea also understand the importance of their contribution to making the maritime sector a safer workplace.

Here are some indicators to prove how and why Seafarers matter to Us:

Seafarers carry over 90% of the world’s trade. The figure of 90% isn’t an arbitrary figure but rather a ‘precise estimation’ and rightfully so. Shipping still happens to be the cheapest mode of transport.

Shipping, one of the world’s most dangerous occupations, is not everyone’s cup of tea. Life at sea can be extremely lonely. Women only account for 2% of the world’s seafarers.

Shipping provides the greenest form of goods transport.

Daily life and Lifestyle depend on the Seafarers. The food we eat, the clothes we wear, the oil that fuels your automobile – EVERYTHING has been transferred via ships. In fact, most of the products in your vicinity now have probably been on a ship at some point!

Seafarers often turn to be Saviours. With the case of other vessels that might have been subject to mishap, a vessel in the vicinity will always be there to render assistance. During the immigration crisis from war-ridden countries, the helpless people take huge risks of life to escape their countries, and it is the seafarers that are constantly engaged in humanitarian relief for those who cannot make it all the way!

Unrecognized but Unfazed. Seafarers are unsung heroes without a doubt, who do not care for much aside from their work and their sign off date! Unrecognised yet unfazed – something that we need to learn from the seafarers