The Day of the Seafarer, held on 25 June every year, draws global attention to the contribution that seafarers make to world trade.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever not only to acknowledge the efforts that seafarers have made to keeping the supply chain open despite extremely challenging conditions, but also to ensure that the future being built is one that is fair to them.
In light of the situation, IMO’s 2021 Day of the Seafarer campaign has chosen the theme of “A Fair Future for Seafarers”.
Our 2021 Day of the Seafarer campaign builds on the progress to support seafarers on pandemic-related challenges. It aims to draw global attention to all areas where fairness is important. This includes a safe, secure environment on ships, reasonable working conditions, fair treatment in all situations, as well as respect for the rights of all – regardless of race, gender and religion.
…IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said.
For a second year in a row, access to repatriation, shore leave and medical support all continue to be a challenge. Although there has been a significant reduction in the number of seafarers caught up in the crew change crisis, the numbers remain unacceptably high.
As key workers, seafarers should be entitled to priority vaccination and allowed to travel without restrictions. IMO continues to urge more IMO Member States to give seafarers their due and designate them as key workers.
Currently only 60 IMO member states have designated Seafarers as key workers. Therefore, IMO will continue to work with sister UN Agencies, industry and member states in support of seafarers.
Concluding, IMO also launched a special Day of the Seafarer 2021 video-poem by Mr. Chad Christopher Jordan that is dedicated to seafarers and their hard work, which often goes unseen.
