Industry Celebrates Day Of The Seafarer To Support Unsung Heroes Of Shipping

Seafarers are the unsung heroes of shipping, the industry on which everyone, everywhere relies for the goods and commodities we all need and want. But it’s a tough and demanding job which sometimes can put pressure on mental health.

day of the seafaerer campaign (1) — Image Credits: IMO

This is why, this year, in 2018, IMO is joining the growing momentum within shipping to address the important issue of seafarers’ wellbeing. A seafarer’s job can be rewarding and fulfilling, but it can also have its more difficult moments. Many different factors can affect the quality of life at sea. They include shore leave, the threat of abandonment, prompt payment of wages, the prospect of criminalisation and even simple things like internet access and provision of exercise facilities on board ship.

“Day of the Seafarer 2018 provides a platform to advocate for higher standards of welfare and enable shipping companies and others within the industry to show how they provide a good working environment for seafarers and thereby make a positive contribution to their wellbeing,” said IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim, in his annual Message for the Day of the Seafarer.

Seafarers themselves are being encouraged to share their own views and experiences through an online survey. The results of the survey will be thoroughly analysed and presented to the IMO Council.

The 2018 Day of the Seafarer campaign also has a positive message: seafarers are invited to share what a “#GoodDayatSea” looks like and to enter the IMO/ International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) photo competition, which is sponsored by The North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA). View some of the entries here https://dayoftheseafarerphotos.imo.org/

Film on Seafarers’ Mental Health and Wellbeing

A new free-to-view film produced by Videotel, Seafarers’ Mental Health and Wellbeing, provides useful signposts and will get you thinking about your own mental health. It will equip seafarers with ideas and resources that could lead them to better mental health.