International Day of the Seafarer every year-2025: 25 June

Why in news?

• International Day of the Seafarer is celebrated every year on 25 June.
• The theme of this day for the year 2025 is "Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity".

Objective of the Day:

• To acknowledge the important role of seafarers in the global supply chain.
• To make society aware of the dangers, difficulties and social challenges associated with the maritime profession.
• To protect the rights of seafarers, improve their working conditions and promote welfare.

History of the Day:

• This day was declared by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in the year 2010.
• This decision was taken at a diplomatic conference held in Manila (Philippines) under the STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers).

Contribution of seafarers:

• About 90% of global trade is transported by sea.
• Essential goods such as food grains, medicines, raw materials, fuel etc. are transported from one country to another by sailors.
• They face difficult environmental conditions by staying at sea for a long period, which affects their mental and social life.

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

• It is a specialized body of the United Nations that sets standards related to global maritime safety, environmental protection and maritime navigation.
• Established: 17 March 1948 under the IMO Conference in Geneva
• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom