Today, the international maritime community once again gathers in solidarity to celebrate the Day of the Seafarer—a moment dedicated to recognizing the often-overlooked heroes behind global trade: seafarers. These men and women, working tirelessly across oceans, are the backbone of global logistics, ensuring the uninterrupted movement of essential goods across borders. Without their unwavering dedication, the seamless flow of global commerce would be virtually impossible.

Established by the United Nations through a resolution adopted during the 2010 Diplomatic Conference of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in Manila, Philippines, the Day of the Seafarer serves as a powerful reminder of the critical contributions seafarers make to international trade and the global economy. This annual observance highlights their enduring commitment to one of the most demanding and essential professions in the world.

A Campaign for Change: “My Harassment-Free Ship”

For the 2025 edition, the IMO has launched a compelling and much-needed campaign under the theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship.” This initiative addresses an urgent and long-standing issue in the maritime sector—harassment, bullying, and discrimination on board ships.

This year’s theme underscores the importance of fostering shipboard environments that are not only safe but also dignified and inclusive. According to the IMO, the campaign seeks to:

• Raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of harassment at sea,

• Promote industry-wide zero-tolerance policies,

• Encourage reporting through secure and accessible mechanisms, and

• Equip seafarers with the necessary tools and support to address and overcome harassment.

Harassment at Sea: An Invisible Threat

Seafarers often work in isolated, hierarchical conditions—far removed from the legal and institutional protections available to their land-based counterparts. As a result, incidents of bullying, abuse, and discrimination frequently go unreported. Unfortunately, both male and female seafarers have endured such experiences, often with devastating impacts on their mental health, morale, and job performance.

IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez highlighted the gravity of this issue in his message commemorating the Day of the Seafarer. He announced that the IMO had amended the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code, making training on preventing and addressing violence and harassment mandatory for all seafarers. This amendment marks a decisive and progressive step toward institutionalising safety and respect aboard every vessel.

Seafarers Deserve Dignity, Not Danger

Seafarers sacrifice time with their families, personal comfort, and sometimes even their lives, to keep the world’s economy afloat. It is not only unjust but morally reprehensible that such sacrifice is repaid with harassment and mistreatment. They deserve workplaces where dignity, safety, and respect are non-negotiable.

Unlike workers on land, those at sea rarely have access to confidential reporting platforms or legal protection. The fear of retaliation or job loss often keeps victims silent. The “My Harassment-Free Ship” campaign aims to shatter that silence by cultivating a culture of accountability, support, and zero tolerance for any form of mistreatment.

A Collective Duty: Governments and Industry Must Act

Ensuring the welfare of seafarers requires more than symbolic declarations—it demands unified action. Maritime nations must take a firm and proactive stance by establishing transparent monitoring systems and effective grievance redress mechanisms. Every stakeholder—governments, shipping companies, and crew members alike—must embrace their responsibility in fostering safe and just maritime workplaces.

In Nigeria, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) continues to demonstrate its commitment to seafarer welfare. When seafarers report grievances or unfair treatment, the agency swiftly responds, often setting up dedicated committees to mediate and resolve disputes. These efforts reflect a strong institutional commitment to justice and well-being.

In line with this year’s theme, NIMASA has also taken notable steps toward operationalizing real-time reporting systems. These platforms allow seafarers immediate access to support services, reinforcing the agency’s dedication to eliminating harassment and protecting maritime workers.

Securing the Future of Maritime Trade

To sustain and grow the future of maritime commerce, the industry must make seafaring a more attractive and secure profession. Strong policies that prioritize seafarer protection and strict enforcement mechanisms against abusers must become the norm. With the global seafaring workforce already facing a shortage, the need to build a positive, harassment-free environment has never been more urgent.

Recruiting and retaining the next generation of maritime professionals will depend on how seriously the industry addresses safety, inclusion, and mental health. By removing systemic barriers and fostering respect at every level, the maritime sector can ensure that seafarers continue to serve with pride and confidence.

Beyond Symbolism: Turning Advocacy Into Action

As the world marks the 2025 Day of the Seafarer, it is not enough to simply express appreciation. This observance must inspire concrete and lasting commitments. A ship must not only be seaworthy but also a haven of safety, dignity, and equality. Seafarers deserve more than applause—they deserve action.

Ultimately, every maritime stakeholder must rise to this challenge. From policy reforms and training programs to zero-tolerance enforcement and support services, the pathway to a harassment-free maritime industry requires collective accountability.

Because in every sense, seafarers truly make the world go round—and they deserve a world, and a workplace, that respects and protects them in return.