One Day for Seafarers, A Lifetime of Work Ahead

Each year, the 25th of June is celebrated as the Day of the Seafarer (DoTS). Fourteen years ago, on this very day, major revisions were adopted to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and its Code in Manila, Philippines.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) already recognised 2010 as the ‘Year of the Seafarer’. That same year, the global maritime community resolved to honour the unique contributions of seafarers worldwide by annually paying tribute and expressing deep appreciation and gratitude for their efforts. Today, the United Nations (UN) recognises the DoTS as an observance day.

Seafarers are the essential human element and stakeholders in the maritime sector. They have continued to play a critical role in sustaining international trade and continued supply chain management. Even during the COVID-19 crisis, their indispensable function earned them the designation of ‘key workers’ at the United Nations (UN) and the IMO.

The IMO has recognised the human element as a key element of the safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment due