PURPOSE: The role of seafarers often goes under appreciated within the maritime industry and by the general public. Seafarers are an essential component in world trade, keeping the economy moving and delivering the goods and fuels we use. On June 25th every year, the IMO celebrates the “Day of the Seafarer“. The International Day of the Seafarer provides an opportunity to pay tribute to the world’s 1.5 million seafarers for the unique and all-too-often overlooked contribution to the well-being of the general public. Leading up to the 25 June, seafarers are being invited to answer questions on what a fair future for seafarers looks like.
FORUM: "Your top tips for safety at sea." International Day of the Seafarer 2024. This year, we focus on seafarers' contribution in making the maritime sector a safer workplace. To engage seafarers, we want them to share the best safety tips at sea, whether it’s the gear they wear or the training they receive. As part of the campaign, we will highlight how they keep their workplace safe. Grateful for all the amazing support on this celebration. Your participation makes a huge difference. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #SafetyTipsAtSea, #Dayoftheseafarer, #25june.
EVENTS: On June 25th, the World Seafarers and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) celebrate the International Day of the Seafarer 2024 the under the theme "Your top tips for safety at sea." in London, United Kingdom. During this Day we pay tribute to those who have lost their lives while serving on ships attacked in the Red Sea. Attacks against international shipping can never be justified. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those deceased.
• MV True Confidence – Three lives lost.
• MV Tutor – One life lost.
STATEMENT: Read the Statement by the United Nations Secretary-General on International Day of the Seafarer 2024; June 25th.
PODCASTS: We encourage 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. There are several issues that a seafarer faces today. Maritime piracy, rough environment and weather etc. are some of the main ones. Let’s Talk about the 6 Issues Every Seafarer Going to the Sea Should Know. Listen to the audio-podcats!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Safety Tips at Sea.
Seafarers spend a great deal of their time on board ships, and this provides many opportunities for them to take pictures of their working environment. To all the seafarers, we are asking you to:
Share a picture of yourself in your working environment with your top tip for safety at sea with the hashtag #SafetyTipsAtSea.
Be creative, you can share the equipment you use to keep your workplace safe or any special training you received, and tell us how you work to enhance maritime safety and security, in tandem with the protection of the marine environment. Let us know how you keep up with the pace of technological change and innovation to stay safe onboard.. Get the campaign materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
The Day of the Seafarer was first celebrated in 2011, following its establishment by a resolution adopted by the Conference of Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, held in Manila, Philippines, in June 2010, which adopted major revisions to the STCW Convention and Code.
The Day of the Seafarer has now been included in the annual list of United Nations Observances. Governments, shipping organizations, companies, shipowners and all other parties concerned are invited to promote and celebrate the Day in an appropriate and meaningful manner.
ACTIONS
Under the 2023 campaign ‘‘Oceans Worth’ Protecting.’’, seafarers and the wider public are invited to take actions.
To all the seafarers, we are asking you to share a picture of the marine environment using the hashtag #OceansWorthProtecting. Be creative, you can share the equipment that is used to protect the environment, any special training you received, and tell us about your role in protecting the marine environment while onboard your ship.
For the wider public, take part in our campaign and show us the marine environment that you think is worth protecting using the hashtag and by sharing your pictures on our social platforms. Everyone is invited in using our campaign logo, posters and any available visual branding.
PARTNERSHIPS
The International Day of the Seafarer is co-organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Labor Organization (ILO), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). With the collaboration of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC), the Seafarers' Union of Russia (Российский профсоюз моряков), the National Industrial union of Chinese seafarers (CSCU), the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI), the International Seafarers Welfare And Assistance Network (ISWAN), the Sailors Helpline, the Seafarers' International Union Of Canada, the Apostleship of The Sea (AoS), the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA), the Seafarers UK, The International Seafarers' Center (ISC), the Seaferer Support, the Sailors’ Society, the New England Seafarers Mission (NESM), the Maritime Piracy – Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP), the Seafarers' Rights International (SRI) and the Seafarers International Union (SIU).