On 25 June, the global maritime community comes together to celebrate the Day of the Seafarer. This year’s campaign, ‘My Harassment-Free Ship’, is a bold initiative aiming to promote a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment at sea.
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the occasion of the Day of the Seafarer, in his video message highlights how crucial leadership is in creating a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace.
The Day of the Seafarer 2025 is more than a celebration, it’s a call for action. ‘My Harassment-Free Ship’ campaign seeks to change the maritime culture to one where every seafarer feels safe, valued and protected at sea.
Understanding the challenge
- Harassment affects seafarers of all genders and ranks, leading to emotional distress and career setbacks.
- Many incidents go unreported due to fear of retaliation and lack of trust in reporting systems.
- Stronger policies, leadership training, and global collaboration are needed to ensure real change.
According to Dominguez, effective leadership is characterized by humility, patience, professionalism, active listening, a positive approach, mutual respect, accountability and the willingness to engage in difficult conversations when necessary. It also involves providing support while maintaining high standards of performance.
Therefore, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched the “My Harassment-Free Ship” campaign to promote a culture of zero tolerance for harassment and violence at sea. The campaign highlights examples of seafarers who have successfully fostered respectful and accountable environments on board.
Additionally, it seeks to amplify the experiences of those who have faced harassment, with the aim of learning from their stories and ensuring their voices are acknowledged.
I invite you all to join me in supporting the “My Harassment-Free Ship” campaign, foster a culture of zero tolerance on ships where respect, safety, and inclusivity are the standard, and where every individual working at sea can do so with dignity and security.
…said Dominguez.
According to the IMO, studies showing that over 50% of female seafarers and a significant number of male seafarers have experienced harassment at sea that threaten their safety, mental well-being and career progression.
In support of this initiative, the IMO is amending the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Code to mandate training on the prevention and management of violence and harassment.
In addition, the organization is developing interactive platforms to share best practices and connect seafarers with global support networks.
No one should feel alone in their struggle.
…Arsenio Dominguez pointed out.
Furthermore, António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations, pointed out that seafarers play a critical role in maintaining the flow of global trade, ensuring the delivery of food, medicine and essential goods worldwide. Their contributions are fundamental to the functioning of economies and the well-being of societies. However, their rights are frequently overlooked, and their safety is often compromised.
This year, particular attention is being given to the issues of harassment and discrimination experienced by seafarers, especially women, younger crew members, and those working in isolated or vulnerable conditions.
Zero-tolerance policies and inclusive workplace cultures that support the mental health of seafarers are essential. So, too, is coordinated action – among governments, industry and workers – to uphold labour standards and ensure safe, fair and humane conditions at sea. On this International Day of the Seafarer, let us commit to a maritime sector anchored in equality, respect and dignity.
…said António Guterres.
The Day of the Seafarer (25 June) was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to adopt the revised STCW Convention. Its stated purpose is to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole.
The resolution “encourages 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”.
Day of the Seafarer is recognized by the United Nations as an observance day.
