Day of the Seafarer 2020
Today (25 June) is designated as the Day of the Seafarer. It is an official United Nations international observance day that was established in 2010 in order to “recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole.”
This year’s theme is: Seafarers are Key Workers
Mariners are instrumental in ensuring that essential goods, such as food and fuel, are delivered to ports around the world. Since the work that they do is largely “invisible” to the average person, it is important that their sacrifices are acknowledged.
While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a tremendous impact on lives on shore, seafarers’ lives are also affected.
Crew members of tanker Progress 10 wearing face masks. 6 June 2020.
Being quarantined in one’s home for a few weeks or months is difficult. Many people have recently experienced that. However, try to imagine what it is like being stuck at sea for months, without seeing friends and loved ones in person and having no clear indication of when you will be able to return home.
Many crews have been away from home for extended periods of time beyond what is specified in their contracts. They are confined to their vessels due to quarantine and international travel restrictions.
The next time you go shopping or fill up your tank, please spare a thought for those working at sea.
To show your support of mariners via social media, use the hashtag #SeafarersAreKeyWorkers
