Day of the Seafarer 2018 observed by IMO

25 June: Day of the Seafarer

Day of the Seafarer 2016 was observed across the world on 25 June, 2018 by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to thank the seafarers for their contribution to the economy and civil society of the world.

The day also acknowledges risks and personal costs borne by them while being in their jobs.

When was the Day proclaimed?

• The Day of the Seafarer (DotS) was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to adopt the revised STCW Convention.

• 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".

• It stated the importance to recognise the unique contribution made by the seafarers towards international seaborne trade, the world economy and the civil society as a whole.

• The first edition of the Day of the Seafarers was observed by IMO in 2011.

International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

• In 1948, an international conference in Geneva adopted a convention formally establishing IMO as ‘Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO)’, however, its name was changed in 1982 to IMO.

• IMO is the United Nations specialised agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.

• Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.