Back on board and hoist the sails as we leave port to celebrate #DayOfTheSeafarer! A day on June 25th that celebrates the invaluable yet often underappreciated labour seafarers worldwide provide to our society. These dedicated men and women brave the high seas every day, overcoming great hurdles to keep global trade flowing seamlessly and people safe from harm. It pays tribute to their dedication and resilience and acknowledges that their selfless work keeps our world connected.
The Lifeblood of global trade
Seafarers are the backbone of the world economy. Almost all globally transported goods are moved by sea, and without seafarers, international trade will come to a standstill. From the food that is on our table to the clothes we put on as well as our daily gadgets, most of what we rely on has travelled across oceans through hardworking seafarers.
Celebrating Seafarers: How You Can Participate?
1. Get to Know Their Lives: Familiarize yourself with how seafarers live. A greater understanding of their daily schedules, challenges they encounter and what they have left behind can help one appreciate more about their occupation. Documentaries, books and interviews can provide useful information concerning life at sea.
2. Share their stories: Use social networks to highlight seafarers’ accounts. Sharing articles videos or personal experiences may help raise awareness about this community’s lifestyle and the challenges faced by its members. Join the global conversation using the #DayOfTheSeafarer hashtag.
3. Support for Seafarer Welfare Organizations: Many organizations work tirelessly to support seafarers' welfare, including mental health support services and legal assistance, to improve the lives of those who lead solitary lives at sea. You can help by donating money or joining groups such as The Mission to Seafarers Seafarers' Charity or the International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN).
4. Send Messages of Gratitude: Show your appreciation by sending messages of thanks to seafarers. Simple gestures, like a heartfelt note or a video message, can go a long way in boosting their morale. Many organizations facilitate the delivery of such messages to seafarers on board ships.
5. Advocate for Their Rights: "Seafarers frequently work in difficult conditions and experience challenges such as long periods at sea, isolation, and limited opportunities for shore leave. Supporting improved working conditions, fair treatment, and enhanced safety measures can have a meaningful impact on their lives. It's important to endorse policies and initiatives that are designed to protect and empower seafarers."
The Challenges They Face
Life at sea is not without its hardships. Seafarers contend with long periods away from family, unpredictable weather, and the physical and mental strain of their duties. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, with many seafarers facing extended contracts and difficulties in crew changes, leading to increased isolation and fatigue. Recognizing these struggles and advocating for their well-being is more crucial than ever.
Why It Matters:-
The International Day of the Seafarer is not just about acknowledgement but also about action. By raising awareness, advocating for better conditions, and showing our gratitude, we can make a tangible impact on the lives of seafarers. Their dedication ensures that our lives remain uninterrupted and that global trade continues to thrive. They deserve our utmost respect, appreciation, and support.
As we celebrate this day, let's remember the words of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres: "Seafarers are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, playing an essential role in maintaining the flow of vital goods, such as food, medical supplies, and other basic necessities that are critical for COVID-19 response and recovery."
So, this June 25th, take a moment to honour the seafarers. Share their stories, support their welfare, and let them know that their hard work does not go unnoticed. Together, we can ensure that these unsung heroes receive the recognition and respect they so rightly deserve.
Happy International Day of the Seafarer! Safe travels and calm seas to all the brave souls navigating the world’s oceans.
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