This year's theme for Day of the Seafarer (25, June 2013) is 'Faces of the Sea': a natural evolution from last yearʼs theme of ʻIt came by sea and I canʼt live without itʼ.
IMO explains that this year, fundamentally, it moves the theme to bringing the campaign back to the unsung heroes of shipping – the seafarers themselves and literally spotlights the human face of shipping and the sacrifices that seafarers make.
The organisation says it will be inviting seafarers to: "Take a picture of yourself, or ask a colleague to take it, from a ship while working at sea or in port in a situation that surprises, or that inspires those that rarely consider what its like to be at sea. Post to any of the IMO’s social media channels, telling us how many days you have spent at sea this year and why you posted this picture."
"But this is just a small glimpse of what we have in store, so stay tuned for more information on how to get involved, our toolkits will be available in a few days."
IMO's message to seafarers concludes: "In the meantime, feel free to download our campaign's branding and start spreading the words."