June 25 is the International Day of Seafarers

Seafarers are important for everyone and are rarely seen
Over 80 percent of global trade is transported by ship. The approximately 1.8 million seafarers worldwide supply the entire world with almost everything it needs on a daily basis. And with many things that make life beautiful.
The importance of seafarers became clear during the coronavirus pandemic. Even if they had to stay on board for longer and had no shore leave, the people on board continued to work, keeping the global economy and supplies running. The Ever Given accident in the Suez Canal also showed how important shipping is for supply chains.

A day to make seafarers visible
Seafarers’ Day on June 25 was established in a resolution of the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to adopt the revised STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers). Its stated aim is to recognize the unique contribution of seafarers from around the world to international maritime trade, the global economy and civil society as a whole.
The resolution “encourages governments, shipping organizations, companies, shipowners and all other stakeholders to duly and appropriately promote and take action to celebrate Seafarers’ Day in a meaningful way”.
Every year, the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) calls for this. Every year, the IMO has a special motto for the day. In 2024 it is Safety Tips at sea. Tips for safety at sea. The call is for seafarers to share such tips for more safety under the hashtag #SafetyTipsAtSea.

Here is the video (in English) of the Secretary General of the IMO, Arsenio Dominguez, on Seafarers’ Day 2024.

The Day of the Seafarer is recognized by the United Nations as a day of remembrance. Further information on the IMO website

Source: www.seemannsmission.org