“The world counts on seafarers,” he stated.
“Ships transport a outstanding 90 per cent of the world’s commodities — from grains and vitality, to shopper items and rather more. With out ships and the ladies and men who work on them, economies would stall and folks would starve.”
Pandemic challenges
Nonetheless, seafarers have confronted immense challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UN chief listed a few of these points, which embrace contracts prolonged lengthy past their expiry dates and most durations of service, and issues associated to vaccinations, medical care and shore depart.
The Worldwide Maritime Group (IMO) continues to advocate for seafarers in the course of the pandemic by urging international locations to designate them as key staff.
Kitack Lim, the IMO Secretary-Basic, acknowledged that with out seafarers, there can be no transport.
Sharing the journey
The theme for this yr’s worldwide day celebrates maritime journeys and voyages, offering an opportunity “to acknowledge and pay tribute to seafarers all over the place, no matter their voyage”, he stated.
As a part of an IMO marketing campaign, seafarers from across the globe are utilizing social media to share pictures and details about what really resonates with them, whether or not a optimistic expertise or difficult circumstances.
“Transport and the decision of the oceans, kind a lifestyle,” stated Mr. Lim. “It’s a significant, essential profession that gives a stable basis for all times and gives limitless alternatives to be taught and progress.”
A greener future
The worldwide day can be a possibility to look to the longer term, and for the UN Secretary-Basic, this implies listening to seafarers.
“They know higher than anybody their wants and what this business must do to handle key challenges. This contains the enlargement of social safety, higher working circumstances, addressing the crew-change disaster, adopting new digital instruments to boost security and effectivity, and making this business greener and extra sustainable,” he stated.
The UN chief concluded his message by calling for renewed dedication to supporting seafarers all over the place, and honouring their information, professionalism and expertise.
