Ahead of the World Seafarers Day celebration , the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) ,has called on member states to recognise seamen as key workers in line with their contributions to global trade.
Seafarers are on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, playing an essential role in maintaining the flow of vital goods, such as food, medicines and medical supplies.
In his Day of the Seafarer message, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim highlights the unique and essential work of seafarers. “Just like other key workers, seafarers are on the front line in this global fight.
“They deserve our thanks. But they also need – and deserve – quick and decisive humanitarian action from governments everywhere, not just during the pandemic, but at all times”, Mr. Lim said.
“The 2020 Day of the Seafarer campaign pays tribute to seafarers, acknowledging their sacrifice and the issues they face.
“Many seafarers have been away from home for months and are unsure when they will be able to return home due to travel restrictions.
“The campaign also seeks to raise awareness of the work achieved by seafarers in response to the pandemic and to thank them for their contribution. Everyone is invited to recognize that the ability of seafarers to deliver vital goods is central to responding to, and eventually overcoming, this pandemic.
“The campaign encourages everyone to treat seafarers with the respect and dignity they deserve so that they can continue to provide their vital services to keep world trade moving.
However, the crisis has led to difficult working conditions for seafarers, including uncertainties and difficulties about port access, re-supply, crew changeovers and repatriation.
This year, the Day of the Seafarer campaign calls on Member States to recognize seafarers as key workers – and to provide them with the support, assistance and travel options open to all key workers during the pandemic.
Day of the seafarer is an official United Nations international observance day which takes place every year on 25 June.
It is organized by the International Maritime Organization and aims to increase awareness among the general public of the world’s 1.5 million seafarers for their unique, and all-too-often overlooked, contribution they make to the well-being of all of us.
