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International Day of the Seafarer

Raising awareness and support for those who live their lives on the sea, it’s time to learn about and celebrate International Day of the Seafarer. How to Celebrate International Day of the Seafarer Try out some of these ways to celebrate and observe the International Day of the Seafarer: Thank...

Jobs & Professions Ocean Water Transport35

Marketing angleinferred

Honor and recognize the essential workforce behind global shipping and maritime trade with awareness-driven campaigns targeting logistics, shipping, and port operators.

Relevance 35low intent

Thank a Seafarer social media campaign highlighting real stories from maritime workers
Educational content series on the IMO's role in seafarer safety and global trade standards
Host a community event celebrating maritime workers and their impact on supply chains

History

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations, founded the International Day of the Seafarer, the first of which occurred in 2011.

The day was started with the purpose of urging people to support and promote seafarers and sailors as people who are essential to the industry of global trade and transport. It is meant to be a reminder that many of the items and products that people use on a daily basis have arrived to them because of the work of sailors and seafarers.

Its origins come from the year prior, in 2010, when a resolution was adopted by the Conference of Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

Following its adoption, the International Day of the Seafarer was included in the United Nations list of Annual Observances. This day is set aside for the discussion of topics such as the rights, health and safety of sailors and seafarers.

Each year the theme for the International Day of the Seafarer changes, with past themes including, “Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future”; “Faces of the Sea” and “A fair future for Seafarers”.

How to celebrate

Thank a Seafarer or Sailor

Whether it’s a sailor who serves in the navy or a person who works on the docks or as a seafarer in the shipping industry, this is a great time to let them know how much they are appreciated and give them a hearty “thank you!” Don’t know any personally? It’s easy to put a message or meme on social media with recognition of International Day of the Seafarer to raise awareness and promote the observance of the day.

Get Educated About Seafarers

Learning more about the work and plight of sailors and seafarers is a good way to observe International Day of the Seafarer. Get more information by visiting the International Maritime Organization’s website (supported by the United Nations). It’s possible to learn about International Maritime Organization publications, meetings, news magazines, resources, awareness bulletins and the IMO Knowledge Center. Topics range from the health and safety of sailors to facts and figures related to seafarers; from legal affairs to technical cooperation; or from which states are members to the marine environment.

Hold an International Day of the Seafarer Event

Planning an event promoting and encouraging others to observe and honor sailors and seafarers on this day could be a fun way to celebrate! It could simply be a small gathering for friends, family or coworkers. Or it might turn into a larger community event, at the library or a school, where the public is invited. As part of the event, host a knowledgeable speaker who can bring an educational element to the day. But also, it would be great to offer fun and interesting entertainment for seafarers, their families, and others who want to support them. Whatever is done, be sure to encourage a memorable experience for International Day of the Seafarer!

FAQ

What kinds of jobs do seafarers actually do on modern ships?

Modern seafarers work in a wide range of roles that broadly fall into officers and ratings. Deck officers handle navigation, cargo operations, and safety; engineering officers maintain propulsion and onboard systems; and electro-technical officers look after electrical and electronic equipment. Ratings support these functions as able seafarers on deck and in the engine room, as well as cooks and hotel staff on passenger and cruise ships. Together, this workforce of roughly 1.5 million people operates the world’s merchant fleet and keeps seaborne trade moving.

Why is seafaring considered such a high-risk and demanding profession?

Seafaring combines physical hazards with long periods away from home, so it is both technically and emotionally demanding. Crews work with heavy machinery, hazardous cargoes, extreme weather, and sometimes in narrow or congested sea lanes, all of which can lead to accidents if safety standards are not followed. In high-risk or conflict-affected areas, they may also face threats such as piracy or military attacks. Long contracts, restricted shore leave, and irregular communication with family add mental strain, making robust safety rules and welfare support essential.

How are seafarers’ training and qualifications regulated internationally?

Seafarers’ training and certification are governed by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), adopted by the International Maritime Organization. STCW sets minimum global standards for courses, sea time, examinations, and watchkeeping practices, and requires governments to supervise maritime schools and only issue certificates to competent, medically fit candidates. Recent amendments also introduce mandatory training on preventing harassment, including sexual assault and sexual harassment, reflecting a growing focus on the social as well as technical aspects of shipboard work.

What rights do seafarers have regarding working and living conditions on board?

Most commercial seafarers are covered by the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, often called a “seafarers’ bill of rights.” It sets minimum standards for age, medical fitness, written employment contracts, wages, hours of work and rest, paid leave, and repatriation at the end of a contract. It also requires safe accommodation, decent food, access to medical care, occupational safety measures, and onboard complaint procedures, with inspections by flag and port States to help enforce these rights.

What are the main mental health challenges faced by seafarers?

Common stressors for seafarers include long stretches at sea, limited shore leave, irregular sleep, and separation from family and community life. During the COVID‑19 pandemic, many were trapped on board for months beyond their contracts, and others were unable to join ships and earn a living, which heightened anxiety and fatigue. Exposure to harassment or bullying, or to operations in high-risk areas, can further damage mental wellbeing. International bodies now link safety, fair treatment, and harassment-free workplaces directly to protecting seafarers’ mental health.

How do international rules address bullying and harassment at sea?

Bullying and harassment, including sexual assault and sexual harassment, are increasingly treated as safety and rights issues rather than private disputes. The International Maritime Organization has approved changes to the STCW Code to make training on preventing harassment mandatory from January 2026, and recent campaigns urge companies to adopt zero-tolerance policies and clear reporting procedures. These efforts complement labor standards under the International Labour Organization, which call for workplaces that are safe, dignified, and free from violence.

Why are certain countries especially prominent in supplying seafarers to the world fleet?

Global seafarer supply is concentrated in a handful of countries that have built strong maritime training systems and labor links with international shipping. Nations such as the Philippines, India, and China have large populations, established maritime academies, and recruitment agencies geared toward overseas employment, which makes them major sources of both officers and ratings. Traditional maritime states in Europe and elsewhere also contribute significant numbers, but growth in Asian training and labor markets has shifted much of the seafaring workforce to those regions.