SEAFARERS ARE KEY WORKERS
Every year on the 25th of June, the IMO organises the Day of the Seafarer. This years’ theme: ‘Seafarers are key workers’. The campaign calls on the Member States to recognise seafarers as key workers – and to provide them with the support, assistance and travel options open to all key workers during the pandemic. It 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.
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.
TOS would like to take a moment to put our TOS employees in the spotlight. We appreciate all the hard work they do and their efforts worldwide to get the job done. STAY HEALTHY, STAY SAFE!
The 2020 campaign hashtag is #SeafarersAreKeyWorkers. Want to join? You can use the hashtag #SeafarersAreKeyWorkers to showcase your position at the front line of this global crisis and share your experience with the rest of the world. All IMO’s social media platforms are featured, but Twitter, Facebook and Instagram account for most activity.
BACKGROUND DOTS
Day of the Seafarer (DotS) was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to adopt the revised STCW Convention. Its stated purpose is to recognise the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole. The resolution “encourages Governments, shipping organisations, companies, shipowners and all other parties concerned to duly and appropriately promote the Day of the Seafarer and take action to celebrate it meaningfully”. The United Nations recognises the Day of the Seafarer as an observance day.