Every June 25, the Day of the Seafarer is commemorated, a date established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to recognize the valuable contribution of maritime workers to international trade, the global economy, and the supply of essential goods for people around the world.

This observance was established in 2010 through a resolution adopted during the Manila Diplomatic Conference, as part of the approval of the revised STCW Convention. Its purpose is to highlight the vital role seafarers play in global maritime transport, through which nearly 90% of the goods and products consumed worldwide are moved.

The commemoration also seeks to raise awareness of the challenges associated with the profession, promoting safe, inclusive, and harassment-free working conditions on board vessels. It further encourages governments, organizations, companies, and stakeholders in the maritime sector to recognize and value the contributions of those who make the continuous operation of international supply chains possible.

The importance of seafarers became especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the IMO and numerous governments recognized them as essential workers and implemented measures to facilitate crew changes and access to vaccination.

On this day, tribute is paid to these often-unsung professionals who, through their daily work, contribute to economic development and the well-being of societies around the world.