Today, June 25th, we celebrate the Day of the Seafarer, a special day launched by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) 15 years ago to recognize the invaluable contributions of seafarers worldwide to international trade, the global economy, and civil society.
As someone with 18 years of experience in the industry, I’ve had the privilege of attending numerous celebrations of this day in Mumbai. However, I’ve often wondered if we’re truly listening to the seafarers’ voices and understanding what this day means to them.
Interestingly, Marex played a pioneering role in initiating Seafarer’s Day through a signature campaign and half-day marathon in 2008 and 2009, respectively. It’s heartening to see that our efforts may have paved the way for the IMO’s launch of the Day of the Seafarer in 2010.
Despite their crucial role in keeping global trade afloat, seafarers often don’t receive the respect and recognition they deserve. They’re frequently referred to as the “key workers” during the pandemic.
This year’s campaign, My Harassment-Free Ship, is a bold step towards promoting a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment at sea.
Let’s ensure that this campaign doesn’t end here but becomes a continuous process. Together, we can bring about the changes we seek.
Marex Media
The Author
Miss Delphine Estibeiro
Joint CEO
Marex Media Pvt Ltd