Honoring Seafarers: Unsung Heroes of Global Trade
Every year, the maritime community worldwide pays tribute to the relentless efforts of seafarers, who strive day and night to provide for 90 percent of global trade. Seafaring individuals endure grueling physical conditions, extended work hours, and limited amenities, all while separated from their families. On June 25, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) leads an annual celebration of their endeavors, focusing this year’s Day of the Seafarer on the crew’s indispensable role in marine environmental protection.
Vanguards of Environmental Protection
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim attributes the critical importance of seafarers to their role in implementing and enforcing environmentally-focused treaties. “Every day at sea, they help to enforce IMO’s environment-related treaties by implementing rules on garbage, sewage, and air pollution prevention,” he states. He emphasizes the relevance of seafarers’ role, especially in the context of the 50th anniversary of the MARPOL Convention, IMO’s primary environmental instrument.
Whistleblowers: The Unsung Heroes
In the battle against marine pollution, seafarers wield unique power as environmental whistleblowers. Exposing illicit practices on their ships, such as the infamous “magic pipe” bilgewater discharges, seafarers aid in deterrence and enforcement efforts. In the United States, those who report such violations to the U.S. Coast Guard may even receive rewards if fines are collected from offending vessel operators.
Seafarers in the Spotlight
To emphasize the importance of seafarers and marine conservation, IMO called for mariners to submit photographs of their daily routines with the hashtag Day of the Seafarer 2023. Through these images, the connection between their work and the health of the oceans was made tangible to the global community. The broader maritime industry and the general public were likewise encouraged to partake in the social media campaign, amplifying support and appreciation for these tireless workers.
Promoting the Profession
Recognizing the importance of recruiting and maintaining a skilled workforce, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) leverages the Day of the Seafarer to showcase the advantages of pursuing a maritime career. The ICS highlights the profession’s benefits, including competitive salaries, opportunities for travel and career advancement, specialized training, and onboard camaraderie.
“Seafarers are vital for making sure our everyday lives can continue, from the food we eat, the fuel we use to heat our homes, the clothes we wear, and more. We can access products and essential supplies thanks to seafarers who operate merchant ships that transport these goods around the world,” the ICS emphasizes.
