The United Nations (UN)’s Day of the Seafarer (DotS) is annually observed across the world on 25th June to raise awareness of the important role Seafarers play and the challenges they face in global trade. The day also offers a platform to recognise and honour the invaluable contributions of seafarers to the world economy and economic and social well-being.
- 25th June 2023 marks the observance of the 13th edition of the ‘Day of the Seafarer’
- The observance of the DotS is led by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the UNs specialised agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.
The theme/Campaign theme of Day of the Seafarer 2023 is “Seafarers, MARPOL, and the Marine Environment.”
- The 2023 theme of Day of the Seafarer is in line with the theme of IMO’s World Maritime Day 2023 (28 September 2023) “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on.”
What is MARPOL?
i. The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention adopted on 2 November 1973, covering the prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes.
- “MARPOL” is short for marine pollution.
- 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the MARPOL.
Background:
i. Resolution 19 was adopted at the IMO’s Conference of Parties to the International Convention On Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978 (the Diplomatic conference held in Manila, Philippines in June 2010) and proclaimed 25th June of every year as the Day of the Seafarer.
ii. The first-everDotS was observed on 25th June 2011.
Campaign 2023:
i. The 2023 campaign hashtag is #OceansWorthProtecting
ii. As part of the 2023 campaign, seafarers will be encouraged to share a picture of the marine environment surrounding them while at sea, highlighting that the marine environment is worth protecting.
Observance in India:
i. In India, the maritime industry has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s economic landscape for centuries. The celebration of the Day of the Seafarer holds immense importance for the nation, with its 7,500 km long coastline and strong dependence on overseas trade.
ii. The Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India, as the designated National Maritime Administration of India, had decided to celebrate the same under the aegis of the National Maritime Day Celebrations (Central) Committee (NMDC (C)) C on 25th June 2023 in the auditorium of Shipping Corporation of India, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
iii. The NMDC (C) C had allocated 30 minutes for Indian Seafarers to showcase their talent related to or based on the theme on the occasion of DotS and performance for a maximum of 5 minutes.
About International Maritime Organisation (IMO):
Established in- 1948
Secretary-General- Kitack Lim
Headquarters- London, The United Kingdom (UK)
