Today (25 June) the maritime industry celebrates the Day of the Seafarer, a United Nations recognised occasion established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which salutes the heroes of the sea who work tirelessly to ensure that global trade continues to move and national economies thrive. Global trade, energy security, food supply, and crisis resilience depends highly on shipping, which over 2 million seafarers make happen, yet in spite of this, their role remains largely invisible in political decision-making outside of maritime ministries.

Whilst we have frameworks in place, most notably the International Labour Organization (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, which sets the global standards for seafarers’ working and living conditions on board ships and is the most successful international maritime labour instrument ever adopted and implemented, seafarers can still be at risk. Particularly as we face heightened geopolitical tension, climate transition, and systematic pressure on global supply chains, decisions can be made outside of the maritime sector, such as border control, public health, and national security, which can lead to significant and detrimental consequences for seafarers and global trade.

Alongside the Day of the Seafarer and the 20^th Anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), the International Chamber of Shipping has outlined ten key policy focus areas to highlight to decision-makers in order to recognise seafarers as an essential component to socio-economic global stability. These have been divided into two categories, the first being to promote the factors that continue to positively shape the seafarer employment landscape. The second category of policies identifies the areas where further action is urgently required through strengthened cooperation between industry, unions, governments and intergovernmental organisations. The policies are as follows:

Promoting Regulatory Frameworks for Employment of Seafarers

• Protecting the MLC, 2006 as cornerstone of decent work at sea
• Positive and inclusive shipboard cultures
• Continuing support of ILO recommended minimum seafarer wage negotiations
• Ensuring balanced training and supporting a just transition

Areas for Action

• Ensuring fair treatment for seafarers
• Safeguarding maritime security and freedom of navigation
• Eliminating illegal recruitment practices
• Eliminating seafarer abandonment
• Securing ‘key worker’ status and ‘visa-free’ travel for seafarers
• Collective action and leadership through cross-governmental decision-making

This initiative was championed by the International Chamber of Shipping’s Director of Employment Affairs, Helio Vicente, who states:

“90% of world trade, over 12 billion tons of cargo and well over 30 million ocean-going passengers annually. All powered by 2 million unsung heroes: our seafarers who keep supply chains moving despite geopolitical tensions, climate transitions, and pressure on global supply chains. On this ‘International Day of the Seafarer’ we celebrate them. But celebration isn’t enough. Action is needed. A new ICS Statement outlines the current seafarer employment landscape and the critical areas for action to support them.”

He highlights the key point that the importance of recognising seafarers goes beyond acknowledging their achievements once a year, and we must take real action. To read the full blog post from Helio, please click here. The full policies can be read in our official statement here.

The International Chamber of Shipping calls on political leaders, policymakers and senior public officials, including those outside traditional maritime portfolios, to recognise shipping and seafarers as essential to socio-economic global stability.