Whether it is pandemic or climatic changes, the one profession which never stops is seafaring. They work non-stop to keep the world moving. Their sacrifice may go unheard of, but they still do the best for the world. As a tribute to these seafarers, International Maritime Organisation (IMO) declared 25th June as the Day of Seafarers. Day of seafarers is celebrated across the globe for more than a decade.

The twelfth Day of seafarers 2022 was celebrated with more charm as the world is moving away from the pandemic.

In India, National Maritime Day Committee (NMDC), along with other organisations and unions virtually met to commemorate this year’s theme Your Voyage then and Now- Share your Journey on 24th June. The meet recognised the immense service done by the seafarers.

Mr Atul Ubale, Chairman, NMDC and Director, Shipping Corporation of India Ltd warmly welcomed all the guests and seafarers. Giving a background about the Day of Seafarers, he stated that seafarers are the key participants in this industry who keep the global supply chain intact. A skilful seafarer is born out of courage, effort, hard work, experience, knowledge, and competency. Every seafarer onboard experiences their own set of success and challenges. “To recognise and appreciate the personal experiences of the seafarers, this year’s Day of seafarers is celebrated with a theme, ‘Your Voyage then and Now- share your journey. The theme focuses on the changes that a seafarer has seen in their career path and work environment,” Mr Ubale informed.

IMO Secretary-General Mr Kitack Lim video message was relayed: “Without seafarers, there would be no shipping, and this day, every year, gives us a chance to recognise and pay tribute to seafarers everywhere, whatever their voyage. It is a meaningful, important career that provides a solid foundation for life and offers endless opportunities to learn and progress. New technologies, new equipment, and the need to make shipping greener will provide new challenges and opportunities to the seafarers.”

Mr SM Rai invited some sailing seafarers to explain their impressions about their seafaring career and their expectations.

Mr Amitabh Kumar, Director General of Shipping and Chairman, NMDC (central) Committee mentioned that this year’s theme emphasises looking at seafarers’ voyages, what it entails and how they evolved over time, and what memories it has hatched in seafarer’s life. “This campaign gives seafarers a chance to share what resonates with whether it crew change crises or the future induction of technology,” he continued.

In India, the employment of seafarers has been increasing constantly since 2014, from 1,17,000 in 2014 to 2,34,000 in 2019, but the year 2021 has shown a slight decline, due to the complete stoppage of cruise shipping employment during pandemic.  Mr Kumar further spoke on various steps taken by the Indian Government for the betterment of the seafarers.

On women’s participation in Indian shipping, Mr Kumar informed that it is gradually increasing, and “till date India has 5000 women seafarers in various positions,” he added.

Mercantile Marine Department of Directorate General of Shipping conducts Competency examination for Indian Seafarers, on the Day of Seafarers they recognised and honoured top-ranking seafarers in their respective fields. Names were announced of the seafarers who scored the highest marks in their examination. MASSA specially rewarded female cadets with cash to encourage women to join the sea.

Dr Pandurang K Raut, IRS, Deputy Director General of Shipping, and member secretary NMDC (Central) Committee proposed the vote of thanks.

Marex Media