On June 25, we commemorate the Day of the Seafarers, a day to appreciate and recognise the contributions made by seafarers in the maritime industry. The Day of the Seafarer (25 June) was established through a resolution adopted at the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila. Its purpose is to recognise the unique contributions of seafarers worldwide to international seaborne trade, the global economy, and civil society as a whole. On this day, the IMO encourages governments, shipping organizations, companies, shipowners, and all other concerned parties to actively promote and celebrate the Day of the Seafarer meaningfully.
This year, the IMO has launched a campaign focusing on seafarers’ contributions to enhancing safety in the maritime sector. To engage seafarers, the IMO encourages them to share their best safety tips for life at sea, including insights on equipment and training.
Safety
Reflecting on the topic of safety tips at sea, I recall an incident from my own experience. In 2008, I assumed command of a vessel”it was my second command at the time. The vessel was in drydock, and upon joining, my immediate task was to undock and sail her to her next port of call where cargo operations awaited. My crew consisted of energetic young men from different nationalities. Upon assuming command, I found the crew relaxed and the atmosphere generally cheerful on board.
During berthing operations at a port, tragedy struck. One of my deck crew members, a 23-year-old OS, was tragically crushed in a mooring winch accident and passed away instantly. A chill of fear ran through me as I rushed to the forward station to witness the aftermath. Despite the passing days and years, the memory of that moment still haunts me. I often ponder whether this incident could have been prevented.
SAFETY TIPS AT SEA: My message to my crew has always been clear”remember the families who depend on you while you’re on board. There are no shortcuts to safety at sea. You arrive as one piece; aim to return home safely as one piece. Assess the hazards involved in every task before proceeding: STOP, STEP BACK, REVIEW THE JOB, MITIGATE HAZARDS, COMMUNICATE, and EXECUTE SAFELY.
As seafarers embark on their voyages, they carry the weight of supporting their families financially while shouldering the responsibility of ensuring safe ship operations, benefiting owners and companies alike. Our lives as seafarers oscillate between shore and sea, underscoring the importance of family support for maintaining a healthy mindset. We are deeply grateful to our families for managing household affairs during our time away at sea.
Maritime security remains a pressing concern for seafarers today. The attacks on merchant ships in the Gulf areas by groups like the Houthis have heightened the risks we face. We seafarers hope for a peaceful resolution and global harmony in addressing these challenges.
On this Seafarers’ Day, our thoughts are with all seafarers navigating rough seas and challenging conditions. To those on detained ships, may they find peace and a safe return to their families and homes. I wish all seafarers a Happy Seafarers’ Day. May fair weather and following seas accompany you always. Let’s take a moment to commend ourselves as we engage in this noble adventure called the seafaring life... A noble profession indeed.
