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The campaign theme – At sea for all – recognises that seafarers are indispensable and invites people everywhere to ‘show their appreciation for the seafarers that quietly, mostly unnoticed, keep the wheels of the world in motion’.
The IMO hopes the day will also remind people that we rely on seafarers for over 90 percent of our household goods, as well as for essential lifesaving services.
In a special interview for the Day of the Seafarer with Branko Berlan, ITF accredited representative to the IMO, IMO secretary general Kitack Lim said: “The annual Day of the Seafarer campaign on 25 June is so important to improve the general public's awareness of shipping and also raise the profile among key influencers and policymakers outside of our regular sector. This, directly and indirectly, can ultimately help improve safety and security for seafarers.”
Among the many subjects touched on in the interview, Mr Lim highlighted safety. He said: “Ship safety relies on good ship building, appropriate equipment and technology, which are dependent on the development of the correct standards. But above all, safety depends on the interaction between the seafarers and the ship and the way external factors are handled.”
He said he was therefore looking forward to the completion of the review of the Guidelines on Fatigue, and to the implementation by 1 January 2020 of the crucially important amendments to SOLAS to address the injuries and loss of life during lifeboat testing and operations.
Mr Lim added that the ITF helped to ensure that seafarers’ voices – “the human element” – are heard and made stronger in the IMO.
Start spreading the message on social media using the campaign hashtag #AtSeaForAll.
Download the Day of the Seafarer 2016 toolkit to learn more about how you can show your appreciation, and test your seafaring knowledge with the IMO’s Day of the Seafarer quiz.
Read the full ITF interview with Mr Lim.
Watch this message from IMO secretary-general Kitack Lim.
Learn more about the IMO Maritime Ambassador Scheme to promote the maritime and seafaring professions and raise awareness of the positive benefits of choosing a career at sea or other maritime profession.