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: “Seafarer, MARPOL and the Marine environment.” International Day of the Seafarer 2023. The campaign this year will look at seafarers' contribution to protecting the marine environment, in line with the World Maritime theme “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on”. Seafarers spend a great deal of time at sea and are a big part of the solution when it comes to protecting the marine environment. As part of the campaign, we will be asking seafarers to share a picture of the marine environment surrounding them while at sea, and to highlight that the marine environment is worth protecting. Follow the hashtags: #OceansWorthProtecting, #DayOfTheSeafarer, #25june, #MARPOLat50.
EVENTS: A hybrib event to observe the International Day of the Seafarer 2023 will be held at the International Maritime Organization in London, United Kingdom to recognize and celebrate the immense contribution of seafarers to protecting our global marine environment; They truly are at the heart of sustainable ship operations.
STATEMENT: Read the Statement by the IMO Secretary-General on International Day of the Seafarer 2023; June 25th.
PODCASTS: Talking about the 6 Issues Every Seafarer Going to the Sea Should Know. There are several issues that a seafarer faces today. Maritime piracy, rough environment and weather etc. are some of the main ones. Listen to the audio-podcats!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Seafarers see the seas on their voyages, and this provides many opportunities for them to take pictures of the marine environment. 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).