Maritime industry marks Intl Day of Seafarer

Evolution of Maritime Industry Marks International Day of Seafarer Promoting Harassment-Free Ships

Today, June 25, 2025, the global maritime community comes together to celebrate the International Day of Seafarer. To mark this occasion, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched a bold initiative - My Harassment-Free Ship - aimed at promoting a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment at sea.

Creating a Culture of Respect

The IMO's campaign seeks to raise awareness about the reality of harassment at sea, promote proactive industry action to implement zero-tolerance policies, encourage reporting and accountability through safe and accessible channels, and equip seafarers with resources and support to navigate and combat harassment. This effort is crucial in creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful working environment for all.

The Power of Leadership

IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez emphasizes the importance of leadership in fostering a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment. He highlights the need for leaders to demonstrate humility, patience, listening, positivity, respect, and professionalism while also holding people accountable, supporting them, and having difficult conversations when necessary.

Training and Support Empowering Seafarers

The IMO is taking decisive steps to amend the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers Code, mandating training for all seafarers on preventing and addressing violence and harassment. Interactive platforms will connect seafarers with best practices and support networks from around the globe.

Honoring Filipino Seafarers

On this special day, we also celebrate the contributions of Filipino seafarers worldwide. Sonia Malaluan, Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) administrator, emphasizes that harassment has no place on board, and every Filipino seafarer deserves a workplace that is safe, fair, and free from fear. Dr. Conrado Oca, president of the Associated Marine Officers and Seamens Union of the Philippine (Amosup), highlights the courage and resilience of Filipino seafarers.

Economic Contribution

Eric Marquez, president of the Filipino Association for Mariners Employment (FAME) and Joint Manning Group (JMG), stresses the economic contribution of seafarers to the country and global shipping. He emphasizes the need to protect them from all kinds of harassment and discrimination in the workplace.

Conclusion

The evolution of the maritime industry marks a significant milestone in promoting harassment-free ships. The IMO's campaign My Harassment-Free Ship is a bold initiative that recognizes the importance of creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful working environment for all seafarers. As we celebrate the International Day of Seafarer, let us honor the hard work, resilience, and courage of Filipino seafarers who navigate the oceans daily, away from their loved ones.

Keywords Maritime industry, International Day of Seafarer, harassment-free ships, IMO, My Harassment-Free Ship, leadership, accountability, training, support, Filipino seafarers.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.