EVERY year on June 25, the International Day of the Seafarer is celebrated around the world under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to highlight the vital contribution that seafarers make to the world’s trade and economy.

Since its inception in 2011, the event has provided a platform to raise awareness of the vital role that seafarers undertake to keep the world’s commodities moving behind the scenes. Many seafarers around the world viewed the day as a commemoration of the unsung heroes of the seas.
 
As the maritime industry strives to make shipping more environmentally friendly and sustainable, seafarers play an increasingly crucial role in protecting the health of our oceans and world. In 2023, the celebration will look at seafarers’ contributions the the protection of the environment, in line with the theme of World Maritime, which is marking 50 years of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (Marpol). 

The 2023 celebration theme will honour the heritage of sustainable marine environmental protection while emphasising the dedication of all engaged parties. As one of the pillars of international maritime law, Marpol is instrumental to the the IMO international convention to prevent marine pollution from operational and accidental causes. 

Since the adoption of Marpol in 1973, the shipping industry has transitioned from being regulated by a basic standard to a comprehensive set of governing policies and regulation in environmental preservation. Seafarers have been involved first-hand with Marpol implementation.

Marpol phases are linked to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Shared action is required to protect the marine environment with regard to issues such as biodiversity, biofouling, transfer of invasive species, and plastic and noise pollution. The competence of seafarers is the most critical factor in the safe and efficient operation of ships and has a direct impact on the safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment.

The success of maritime activities is also dependent on the talents, contributions, and sacrifices of seafarers. They spend a great deal of time at sea. Seafarers’ engagements are crucial to achieving a just transition to a zero-carbon future as the shipping industry steps up support of global efforts to address climate change by moving towards decarbonisation.

Seafarers should work for organisations that are concerned about their safety and the marine environment in which they operate. They require the necessary resources to apply international standards, and in an already stressful work environment, they require our assistance and support. The maritime sector relies on seafarers for growth and is the country’s economic and commercial backbone. 

On this day, let us honour the courageous women and men, from master to deckhand, in every part of the globe, who enable the maritime sector to support our global economy and create greater progress for all.

We wish all fellow seafarers a happy seafarers’ day.  We cannot thank you enough for your enormous contribution. Your efforts and commitment have enabled a sustained throughput of the international trade and global economy.

Thank you very much, seafarers. – June 25, 2023.

* Dr Izyan Munirah Mohd Zaideen is senior lecturer at the Faculty of Maritime Studies, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. Captain Mohd Faizal Ramli is offshore oil and gas marine specialist, seafarer and alumnus of the Malaysian Maritime Academy.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.