Day of the Seafarer: June 25

The Day of the Seafarer is being observed every year on 25 June across the globe as an expression of thanks to the seafarers for their contribution to the economy and civil society of the world. It also acknowledges the risks and personal costs endured by seafarers while being in their jobs.
The theme for year 2018 is ‘Seafarers wellbeing’. It highlights issues of seafarers wellbeing, particularly mental health. It deals with specific strategies to tackle stress and other issues affecting seafarers mental conditions and make tools available more widely known.

Background

The Day of the Seafarer was designated by International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 2010. It was established in resolution adopted by 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to adopt revised Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)Convention,  1978. For the first time it was observed in 2011 and since then it is observed annually. It has also been included in the list of observances by United Nations. The day acknowledges that almost everything that we use in our daily lives has been directly or indirectly linked with sea transport. A per IMO, around 90% of the world’s goods trade is carried out through ships.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2018