Day of Seafarers to be celebrated this month
June 25th of each year is recognized worldwide as the “Day of the Seafarer” which recognizes the invaluable contribution of seafarers to international trade and its important role in the world economy.
The recognition of seafarers was first celebrated last year and is now included in the annual list of United Nations Observances. The annual celebration was made possible 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.
The 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.
In 2011, the celebration took the form of an online campaign, in which IMO asked everyone to voice their support using social networks. On the Day of the Seafarer, IMO asked people around the globe to say “Thank you seafarers” on Facebook, via tweets, by posting a video on YouTube, discussing on LinkedIn, or even writing an inspirational blog.
The Day of the Seafarer is also an opportunity to educate the public about issues facing the modern-day seafarer issues such as piracy. The IMO also encourages everyone to participate in this worldwide effort by going to their website and getting involved on the activities.