It is known that IMO has chosen to make 2021 a year of action for seafarers, following the unprecedented crisis they are dealing with due to COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this year’s World Maritime Theme “Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future” seeks to increase the visibility of crew by drawing attention to the invaluable role they play now and will continue to play in the future.
During the launch of World Maritime theme on 16 February, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said more Governments must step up to end the crew change crisis.
“We all must do better to support our brave professionals who continue to deliver global trade. A first step would be for all countries to designate seafarers as key workers, as outlined in the United Nations General Assembly Resolution adopted in December”.
…Mr Lim added, referring to the UNGA resolution on International cooperation to address challenges faced by seafarers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to support global supply chains.
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To remind, key worker designation is crucial to ensure seafarers can travel to and from ships and will facilitate access to priority vaccination. Currently, 55 IMO Member States and two Associate Members have designated seafarers as key workers.
“The dedication and professionalism of more than one and a half million seafarers worldwide deserve our great admiration and gratitude – but most importantly, immediate action”.
…Mr Lim continued.
As IMO further explained, throughout the year, the World Maritime Theme will also put the spotlight on other issues related to the human element of shipping, including the safety and security of life on board ships, seafarers’ well-being, and the importance of ensuring an appropriately trained and qualified workforce, ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of digitalization and automation.
The focus on seafarers is also in line with the work carried out by the Organization, since the beginning of the pandemic and before.
“At IMO, seafarers have always been at the centre of all our work – be it in the area of safety, maritime security, or environmental protection”.
…IMO Secretary-General said.
Concluding, as part of its ongoing efforts to put seafarers at the heart of discussions, IMO is launching a series of profiles in which seafarers express their views on their work and the future of shipping. In fact, all the profiles will be published throughout the year at the IMO’s World Maritime Theme 2021 page.
