The Day of the Seafarer is being observed on 25 June every year as an expression of thanks to the seafarers for their contribution to the economy and civil society of the world.
The observance of the day also acknowledges the risks and personal costs endured by seafarers while being in their jobs. 2017 Theme: “Seafarers Matter”. The IMO’s theme of ‘Seafarers Matter’ aims to particularly engage ports and seafarer centres to demonstrate how much seafarers matter to them. The idea is for ports and seafarer centres to share and showcase best practices in seafarer support and welfare, and organise special activities for seafarers on the day, such as:
A social event organised in port to celebrate seafarers
A public open day at seafarer centres
Free WiFi in port for a day
It highlights that seafarers serve at sea not just for their own career or for the shipping industry or but for all of us.
The theme has a clear link with the 2016 World Maritime Day (WMD) theme, “Shipping: indispensable to the world”.
Background
The Day of the Seafarer observed on June 25 was designated by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 2010.
For the first time it was observed in 2011 and since then it is observed annually.
The Day of the Seafarers has also been included in the list of observances by United Nations.
The day acknowledges that almost everything that we use in our daily lives has been directly or indirectly linked with sea transport.
A per IMO, around 90% of the world’s goods trade is carried out through ships.
Join The Discussion