IMO Marks 2013 ‘Day of the Seafarer’ With Social Media Campaign

This Tuesday marks the third-annual ‘Day of the Seafarer,’ an official United Nations observance day celebrating seafarers and the sacrifices they make in the name of world trade and development.

This year’s theme, “Faces of The Sea,” aims to raise awareness of seafarers and their unique and often overlooked role in the global economy.

To celebrate, the International Maritime Organization is launching a social media campaign calling on all supply chain partners, including those beyond the maritime sector, to help highlight the sheer diversity and scale of products used in everyday life that travel by sea, and to recognize the importance of the people that deliver them; more than 1.5 million seafarers.

In his annual Day of the Seafarer message, IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu said, “Seafarers operate on the ‘front line’ of the shipping industry, and this year’s campaign theme, Faces of the Sea, aims to highlight the individuals that are often unseen, but who work to deliver more than 90% of the world’s goods. We will ask the seafarers themselves to show us snapshots of their daily life at sea, to give them a voice and share their story on a global stage, via social media.”

Mr. Sekimizu noted that 2013 is a landmark year for the seafaring community, as the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) enters into force in August. The convention will provide comprehensive rights and protection at work for the world’s seafarers.

IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu Day of the Seafarer message:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also highlighted the Day of the Seafarer, with a special message urging everyone to remember the contribution of seafarers to world trade and development.

“On the Day of the Seafarer, I urge everyone to spare a thought for those courageous seafarers, men and women from all corners of the world, who face danger and tough working conditions to operate today’s complex, highly technical ships, every hour of every day of the year – and on whom we all depend,” he said.

How You Can Participate:

Individuals and organizations:

• Post a picture of your favorite product brought by sea, or upload a seafarer image on Facebook, and say: “Thank you seafarers” http://www.facebook.com/IMOHQ
• Tweet a message to @IMOHQ and @SeafarerDay using hashtag #thankyouseafarer
• Watch and share videos on Youtube.com/IMOHQ

Shipping companies, supply chain partners or retailers: