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The International Maritime Organisation organises the yearly and international event Day of the Seafarer on June 25. Last year’s Day of the Seafarer honoured sailors and demonstrated to the rest of the world how and why they are so important to everyone. With the theme Seafarers Matter, the Day will recognise the distinctive contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the global economy, and civil society as a whole.
The United Nations recognises the Day of the Seafarer as an observance day, recognising the distinctive and crucial role of seafarers in the global community.
International Day of the Seafarer 2025 Date – June 25
In this article readers can get a glimpse on
- History of International Day of the Seafarer
- International Day of the Seafarer Theme 2025
- International Day of the Seafarer Quiz
History of International Day of the Seafarer
1: Who was the first woman President of India?
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, officially established the International Day of the Seafarer in 2011, with the inaugural celebration held on June 25, 2011. This day was created to recognize the invaluable contributions of seafarers to global trade, economic development, and everyday life. It acknowledges the essential role seafarers play in operating ships that carry over 90% of the world’s goods, including food, fuel, medicines, and raw materials.
The origin of this observance can be traced back to 2010, when the Conference of Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) adopted a resolution calling for the establishment of a dedicated day. This led to the inclusion of the Day of the Seafarer in the United Nations’ list of annual observances, giving it global recognition and institutional backing.
The day serves not only as a form of appreciation for seafarers but also as a platform to highlight the challenges they face, including long periods away from home, mental and physical health issues, and the need for fair treatment and labor rights. It encourages governments, shipping companies, port authorities, and the general public to promote the welfare and rights of seafarers.
Each year, the day brings attention to critical issues such as safety at sea, proper working conditions, access to training and career growth, and the impact of global crises—like pandemics—on maritime workers. It is also a time for launching public campaigns, educational activities, and digital outreach to raise awareness of the profession’s significance.
Through this observance, the IMO aims to ensure that seafarers are respected, protected, and supported, both in policy and practice, across all maritime nations.
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Start Learning!International Day of the Seafarer Theme 2025
The theme for the International Day of the Seafarer 2025 is “My Harassment-Free Ship”, highlighting the urgent need to eliminate harassment and bullying in the maritime industry. This theme calls on all stakeholders—shipowners, maritime authorities, training institutions, and seafarers themselves—to promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive working environment at sea. Seafarers often work in isolated, high-pressure conditions for long durations, making them vulnerable to various forms of harassment, including verbal abuse, discrimination, and even sexual harassment.
By focusing on this theme, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) emphasizes the importance of building awareness and enforcing stricter policies to protect seafarers’ dignity and mental well-being. It encourages the adoption of onboard reporting mechanisms, education on workplace behavior, and zero-tolerance policies against abuse. Through campaigns and community action, the 2025 observance aims to create a global culture where every seafarer, regardless of gender, nationality, or rank, feels safe and respected. “My Harassment-Free Ship” envisions a maritime world where mutual respect and fairness are the norm, not the exception.
International Day of the Seafarer Previous Themes
International Day of the Seafarer, observed annually on June 25, was established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2010. It recognizes the unique and vital contribution made by seafarers worldwide to international seaborne trade, the world economy, and civil society as a whole.
Each year, a specific theme is chosen by the IMO to highlight different aspects of seafarers’ lives and their crucial role. Here are the themes from recent years:
- 2015: “A Career At Sea” (focused on encouraging young people to consider seafaring as a career)
- 2016: “At Sea For All”
- 2017: “Seafarers Matter”
- 2018: “Seafarers’ Wellbeing” (with a particular focus on mental health)
- 2019: “#IAmOnBoard with gender equality” (highlighting the importance and value of women in the maritime community)
- 2020: “Seafarers are Key Workers” (emphasizing their essential role during the COVID-19 pandemic)
- 2021: “Fair Future for Seafarers”
- 2022: “Your voyage – then and now, share your journey”
- 2023: “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on” (focused on seafarers’ contribution to protecting the marine environment, aligning with the World Maritime Day theme)
- 2024: “Navigating the Future: Safety First!” (This was the World Maritime Day theme for 2024, which often aligns with the Day of the Seafarer focus.)
- 2025: “My Harassment-Free Ship”
Seafarers Day 2025 – Messages
UN Secretary-General’s Message on the Day of the Seafarer
Seafarers are among the world’s most essential yet often overlooked workers.
The International Day of the Seafarer honours the nearly two million seafarers who keep the global supply chain running, delivering vital goods such as food, fuel, raw materials, and medicines across continents.
In recent years, challenges like harassment, unsafe working conditions, and extended contracts have drawn attention to the urgent need for a safer and more supportive maritime work environment. Many seafarers continue to work under isolation, fatigue, and limited connectivity, often far from their families and national protections.
In 2025, we must recommit to the principles of dignity, respect, and safety for every seafarer, regardless of nationality or gender. This includes ensuring harassment-free ships, proper mental health support, and fair employment practices.
On this day, we pay tribute to the hard work, bravery, and resilience of seafarers worldwide. Let us continue to advocate for their rights and well-being—both on board and ashore.
Other Messages
“Thank you for navigating global challenges with strength and grace. Happy Seafarers Day 2025.”
“To every seafarer: may your ship be safe, your journey fair, and your workplace free of harm. Wishing you a peaceful Seafarers Day.”
“You power the world in silence. Today, we raise our voices for you. Happy International Day of the Seafarer.”
“Here’s to safer seas and respectful ships. Thank you, seafarers, for your tireless service.”
“May every seafarer find support, recognition, and a harassment-free ship. Happy Seafarers Day 2025.”
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Start Learning!International Day of the Seafarer Quiz 2025
A) WTO
B) IMO
C) ILO
3. In which year was the Day of the Seafarer first celebrated?
A) 2010
B) 2011
C) 2012
A) Geneva
B) New York
C) London
5. What does the acronym STCW stand for in maritime regulation?
A) Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping
B) Ship Traffic and Cargo Work
C) Standards for Transport Crew Welfare
A) Around 1 million
B) Around 1.5 million
C) Around 2 million
A) Tanker
B) Container ship
C) Ferry
A) SOLAS
B) MARPOL
C) Maritime Labour Convention
A) WHO
B) ILO
C) UNDP
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Start Learning!Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Day of the Seafarer?
The International Day of the Seafarer is a UN-recognized observance. It highlights the critical role of seafarers in global trade and the economy. The day honors their hard work, dedication, and personal sacrifices. It also promotes awareness of seafarers’ rights and well-being. The day is observed every year on June 25.
Who established the Day of the Seafarer and when?
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a UN agency, established the day. It was officially recognized in 2010. The first celebration took place on June 25, 2011. The aim was to give seafarers recognition and visibility. It is now listed as an annual UN observance.
Why is the Day of the Seafarer important?
Seafarers are often overlooked despite their vital contribution. They transport over 90% of global goods and resources. The day brings attention to their rights, safety, and challenges. It also urges support for fair treatment and decent working conditions. Public awareness and appreciation are key goals.
How is the Day of the Seafarer celebrated?
It is marked by campaigns, awareness drives, and official messages. Governments, ports, and maritime organizations host events. Social media campaigns encourage public participation. Training and welfare sessions are also conducted for seafarers. The IMO often leads global digital campaigns on this day.
What are some challenges seafarers face?
Seafarers often work long periods away from home. They face risks such as isolation, fatigue, and piracy. Harassment and lack of shore leave are growing concerns. During global crises, crew changes and repatriation become difficult. Mental health issues are also increasingly reported.
What is the role of the IMO in supporting seafarers?
The IMO sets international standards for maritime safety and seafarer welfare. It promotes fair treatment and safety regulations. It collaborates with countries and shipping companies for policy enforcement. The IMO also supports education, training, and recognition for seafarers. It leads awareness initiatives like the Day of the Seafarer.
How does this day support gender equality in shipping?
The day often highlights the experiences of women at sea. It promotes a harassment-free, respectful workplace for all. Campaigns encourage more women to join maritime careers. It also addresses gender-based challenges and safety concerns. Inclusion and equality remain important yearly themes.
How can the public support seafarers on this day?
People can share messages of appreciation online. Learning about maritime careers helps build respect. Supporting fair-trade and ethically sourced goods also helps indirectly. Schools and communities can organize awareness sessions. Using the IMO’s hashtag campaigns spreads global solidarity.
What long-term impact does the Day of the Seafarer aim to create?
It seeks global recognition of seafarers’ essential work. The day encourages policy improvements and better working conditions. It promotes industry-wide accountability and social responsibility. Raising awareness helps improve seafarer mental health and job satisfaction. Ultimately, it aims to create a safer, fairer maritime industry.
What kinds of goods do seafarers help transport globally?
Seafarers transport a wide range of essential goods across the world. This includes food, fuel, medicines, raw materials, electronics, and clothing. Over 90% of international trade depends on maritime transport. Seafarers ensure these goods reach ports safely and efficiently. Their role is critical to daily life and global economies.
