Day of the Seafarer 2023

This year, once again, the annual Day of the Seafarer (DotS) will be celebrated on 25 June.

2023 Seafarers, MARPOL and the marine environment

For 2023, the campaign will look at seafarers' contribution to protecting the marine environment, in line with the World Maritime theme “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on”. 

Seafarers spend a great deal of time at sea and are a big part of the solution when it comes to protecting the marine environment. 

As part of the campaign, we will be asking seafarers to share a picture of the marine environment surrounding them while at sea, highlighting that the marine environment is worth protecting.  

IMO Secretary-General video message

Read IMO Secretary-General message here.

Social Media 

Seafarers see the seas on their voyages, and this provides many opportunities for them to take pictures of the marine environment.  

The 2023 campaign hashtag is #OceansWorthProtecting 

To all the seafarers, we are asking you to share a picture of the marine environment using the hashtag #OceansWorthProtecting. 

Be creative, you can share the equipment that is used to protect the environment, any special training you received, and tell us about your role in protecting the marine environment while onboard your ship.

For the wider public, take part in our campaign and show us the marine environment that you think is worth protecting using the hashtag and by sharing your pictures on our social platforms. 

As in previous years, the campaign will be centred on social media so join us on any of IMO's social media platforms; Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Everyone is invited in using our campaign logo, posters and any available visual branding.

Background

The Day of the Seafarer (25 June) was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to adopt the revised STCW Convention. Its stated purpose is 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.

The resolution "encourages Governments, shipping organizations, companies, shipowners and all other parties concerned to duly and appropriately promote the Day of the Seafarer and take action to celebrate it meaningfully".

Day of the Seafarer is recognized by the United Nations as an observance day. 

Please see more information about the previous Day of the Seafarers here.