Today, the global community pauses to celebrate International Seafarers’ Day, an annual observance dedicated to honoring the indispensable role seafarers play in sustaining international trade and the world economy. This year’s theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship,” underscores the pressing need to eliminate harassment and bullying in the maritime sector, ensuring that seafarers—often working in isolation and under demanding conditions—can thrive in safe, respectful environments.
The Origins of International Seafarers’ Day
International Seafarers’ Day, observed every June 25, was established in 2010 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations agency responsible for regulating global shipping. The day was created following the adoption of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) in 2006, which entered into force in 2013. Often referred to as the “seafarers’ bill of rights,” the MLC is a comprehensive international agreement that establishes standardized training, welfare, and safety protocols for seafarers worldwide. The convention’s adoption prompted the IMO to designate June 25 as a day to recognize the contributions of the approximately 1.5 million seafarers who keep global supply chains operational.
The first official celebration took place in 2011, and since then, International Seafarers’ Day has been included in the United Nations’ list of observances. The day not only celebrates seafarers’ contributions but also raises awareness about the challenges they face, including long separations from family, exposure to piracy, and demanding working conditions.
The Vital Role of Seafarers
Seafarers are the backbone of global commerce, with ships transporting an estimated 90% of the world’s goods, from food and fuel to medical supplies and consumer products. Their work ensures that societies have access to essential commodities, a role that became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when seafarers maintained supply chains despite restrictions on port access, crew changes, and repatriation.
Despite their critical contributions, seafarers often go unnoticed by the public. They endure significant personal sacrifices, spending months at sea in often harsh conditions. The IMO estimates that seafarers face risks such as piracy, extreme weather, and, more recently, threats from regional conflicts, such as Houthi missile attacks in the Red Sea, which have claimed lives and injured many.
2025 Theme: “My Harassment-Free Ship”
This year’s theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship,” brings attention to a pervasive issue in the maritime industry: harassment and bullying at sea. According to IMO data, over 50% of female seafarers and a significant number of male seafarers have experienced harassment, ranging from verbal abuse to more severe forms of misconduct. Such experiences can lead to emotional distress, mental health challenges, and career setbacks, undermining the well-being of those who keep the global economy afloat.
The IMO’s 2025 campaign calls for a cultural shift in the maritime sector, advocating for zero-tolerance policies, inclusive workplace cultures, and robust support systems. Key messages include:
- Raising Awareness: Highlighting the prevalence and impact of harassment at sea.
- Promoting Action: Encouraging shipping companies to implement zero-tolerance policies and provide leadership training.
- Ensuring Accountability: Establishing safe, accessible channels for reporting incidents.
- Empowering Seafarers: Equipping workers with resources to combat harassment and foster respectful workplaces.
The campaign also invites seafarers to share their stories and best practices for creating harassment-free environments, fostering a sense of community and collective responsibility.
IMO’s Broader Commitment to Seafarers
The focus on seafarers extends beyond International Seafarers’ Day. In his 2025 agenda, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez outlined three key priorities: seafarers, security, and decarbonization. For seafarers, the IMO is committed to enhancing safety and security, increasing support, reducing the criminalization of seafarers, and promoting diversity in the maritime workforce. Dominguez has emphasized the importance of ensuring that seafarers’ voices are heard, as evidenced by his collaboration with organizations like The Nautical Institute.
In his statement for International Seafarers’ Day 2025, Dominguez said, “Zero-tolerance policies and inclusive workplace cultures that support the mental health of seafarers are essential. So, too, is coordinated action—among governments, industry, and workers—to uphold labor standards and ensure safe, fair, and humane conditions at sea.” This call to action reflects the IMO’s broader mission to create a maritime industry anchored in equality, respect, and dignity.
How the World Celebrates
International Seafarers’ Day is marked by a variety of activities worldwide. Governments, shipping organizations, and maritime companies are encouraged to promote the day through events, campaigns, and policy initiatives. Since 2011, the IMO has leveraged social media to amplify the celebration, urging the public to express gratitude for seafarers’ contributions. Past campaigns have included hashtags like #SafetyTipsAtSea, and 2025 is likely to feature similar online engagement to promote the “My Harassment-Free Ship” theme.
Organizations like The Mission to Seafarers, which provides support in over 200 ports, play a key role in the day’s observance. They offer practical assistance, such as welfare services and mental health resources, and organize events to honor seafarers’ contributions. The public can participate by sharing messages of appreciation on social media, learning about the maritime industry, or supporting organizations that advocate for seafarers’ rights.
Challenges Facing Seafarers
While International Seafarers’ Day celebrates their contributions, it also highlights ongoing challenges. In addition to harassment, seafarers face issues such as:
- Criminalization: Seafarers are sometimes unfairly blamed for incidents beyond their control, leading to legal repercussions.
- Mental Health: Prolonged isolation and high-pressure environments can take a toll on seafarers’ well-being.
- Security Threats: Recent attacks in regions like the Red Sea underscore the physical dangers seafarers face.
- Diversity: The maritime industry remains male-dominated, with efforts underway to increase representation of women and other underrepresented groups.
Addressing these challenges requires collaboration among governments, industry stakeholders, and international organizations. The IMO’s focus on harassment in 2025 is a step toward broader reforms to improve seafarers’ working conditions and quality of life.
A Call to Action
As the world relies on seafarers to keep global trade flowing, International Seafarers’ Day 2025 serves as a reminder of their invaluable contributions and the collective responsibility to protect their rights and well-being. By tackling harassment and fostering a culture of respect, the maritime industry can move closer to a future where every seafarer feels safe, valued, and empowered.
The IMO’s call to action extends to all stakeholders: seafarers are encouraged to share their experiences, shipping companies to strengthen policies, and the public to raise awareness. Together, these efforts can create a maritime sector that not only drives the global economy but also upholds the dignity of those who make it possible.
