By Caleb Danladi Bako
As the world marks Seafarers Day 2024, a global observance dedicated to recognizing the indispensable contributions of seafarers to international trade and commerce, Caleb Danladi Bako (MICS), Master Mariner/Maritime expert, writes on the focus on sea safety and honors seafarers’ vital role in global trade.
The 2024 campaign emphasizes seafarers’ contributions to making the maritime sector a safer workplace. It underscores the critical importance of safety at sea and aims to provide seafarers with practical safety tips to ensure their well-being.
International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez highlighted these contributions in his keynote address, stating, “Seafarers are at the forefront of ensuring safety at sea. Their dedication and expertise are crucial in maintaining not only their own safety but also the integrity of global trade routes.”
The Day of the Seafarer (25 June) was established by a resolution adopted at the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to adopt the revised Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention. Its purpose is to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy, and civil society as a whole. Without seafarers, there would be no shipping, no shopping, and no supply chain.
As key players in the maritime industry, seafarers facilitate approximately 90% of global trade, ensuring the steady flow of goods and commodities across the world. Their role has become even more crucial in the face of recent global disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical challenges. Maritime transport is the most cost-effective way to move large quantities of goods over long distances. Seafarers’ expertise in operating these vessels helps maintain this efficiency. By enabling exports and imports, seafarers help maintain the trade balance of countries, supporting economic growth and development.
The celebration of World Seafarers Day 2024 also included a virtual global forum where seafarers shared their personal stories and safety tips, fostering a sense of community and collective knowledge. Social media platforms buzzed with the hashtag #SafetyTipsAtSea, as maritime professionals and enthusiasts alike joined the conversation, highlighting the importance of safety at sea.
By focusing on safety, this year’s World Seafarers Day not only honors the men and women who keep global trade moving but also reinforces the industry’s commitment to ensuring their safety and well-being. As the maritime sector continues to evolve, the safety and security of seafarers remain a top priority, ensuring a resilient and efficient global trade system.
By Caleb Danladi Bako (MICS)
Master Mariner/Maritime Expert
