Focus is on a fair future for seafarers for 2021 Day of the Seafarer campaign

This year’s Day of the Seafarer takes place on 25th June and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has been polling seafarers to ask them what a fair future for seafarers looks like. 

The pandemic has hit seafarers hard. They have found themselves on the frontline as critical logistical workers helping to keep the world moving during these difficult times. But governments did not classify seafarers as key workers and they struggled with tough working conditions and huge difficulties around port access, changeovers, travel, and re-supply. The 2020 Day of the Seafarer was used to highlight these issues and put pressure on governments to ease seafarer restrictions. After a focused campaign, there are currently 58 IMO member states that have designated seafarers as key workers, an improvement but not nearly enough. The 2021 Day of the Seafarer campaign seeks to continue this message with a broader theme highlighting the uncertain future the world’s seafarers face.

It is no secret that the life of a seafarer has become progressively more difficult in recent decades. Reduced crew numbers, longer rotations, exploitative work practices and tough working conditions are just some of the issues that face a modern seafarer. The IMO has decided to make 2021 a ‘year of action for seafarers, who are facing unprecedented hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite their vital role as key workers for global supply chains.’ In launching the ‘Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future’ World Maritime Theme for 2021 the IMO Secretary-General, Kitack Lim was quoted as saying:

“We all must do better to support our brave professionals who continue to deliver global trade. The dedication and professionalism of more than one and a half million seafarers worldwide deserves our great admiration and gratitude—but most importantly, immediate action.”

In connection with the 2021 Day of the Seafarer, Mr Lim gave this video message.

COVID-19 has taken an already difficult work situation and made it practically impossible for hundreds and thousands of seafarers. These unsung heroes have been stranded on ships for months, unable to return home due to the harsh travel restrictions. Likewise, the hundreds of thousands more who cannot travel out to their vessels in order to work. According to the IMO, on any given day there are almost one million seafarers working. They estimate approximately 200,000 remain on vessels past their contracted schedules due to the pandemic.

The strain on seafarers is becoming more and more apparent. The mental health of these vital workers is being stretched beyond breaking point with increased suicide rates amongst seafarers and a marked decrease in mental wellbeing. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a joint statement in March, asking for governments to prioritise the vaccination of seafarers and aircrews in order to facilitate the smoother transition of these key personnel and to help reduce the burden being felt.

With over 80% of the world’s trade moved by sea, it is essential for the continued flow of goods and raw materials that we give seafarers our focused attention. Not only to continue their vital role in fighting this pandemic but also to help in the recovery to come. Sea trade is the lifeblood of our blue planet. Use this Day of the Seafarer as a day of action to help seafarers, now and for the future.