UN Spotlights International Day of the Seafarer 2018
By Aiswarya Lakshmi
Monday, June 25, 2018
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.
This is why, this year, in 2018, International Maritime Organization (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.