World Maritime Day 2020: Every year on September 24, World Maritime Day is observed to understand the importance of the marine environment, the impact of industries on the oceans and marine life and the well-being of seafarers who spend months away from home. This year due the coronavirus pandemic, it's even more difficult for the seafarers as their stay on the ship have been extended, in many cases, due to lockdown rules globally. Shipping industries across the world with the support of the International Maritime Organisation are working towards a regulatory framework for a sustainable future and well being of sailors and all stakeholders.
World Maritime Day 2020: Theme
The theme for this year is "sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet" - in line with the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs of the United Nations. World Maritime Day is a great opportunity to disseminate information and spread awareness about proper management of the oceans and saving the water bodies from pollution, which destroys the fragile marine environment. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its Member States are working towards achieving the SDG targets. This year the role of seafarers are in the forefront amid the COVID-19 pandemic as they sail from shore to shore with cargo and other humanitarian work.
It's #WorldMaritimeDay 2020 saw everyone across the globe affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet this global crisis has demonstrated the importance of shipping. https://t.co/utxNRkB8ga #SustainableShipping pic.twitter.com/930H4s83LR
— IMO (@IMOHQ) September 24, 2020
UN chief, Antonio Guterres in his message on World Maritime Day tweeted: "I'm concerned about the crisis facing hundreds of thousands of seafarers whose time at sea has been extended far beyond standards due to COVID-19. On World Maritime Day, I renew my appeal to designate seafarers and marine personnel 'key workers' and ensure safe crew changes."
I'm concerned about the crisis facing hundreds of thousands of seafarers whose time at sea has been extended far beyond standards due to #COVID19.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 24, 2020
On #WorldMaritimeDay, I renew my appeal to designate seafarers & marine personnel "key workers" & ensure safe crew changes.
Union Minister for Shipping, Mansukh Mandaviya greeted seafarers on World Maritime Day. "Greeting to all seafarers and stakeholders of Maritime Sector on World Maritime Day. COVID-19 Pandemic has highlighted professionalism and sacrifice of the 2 million seafarers. Shipping has continued to transport more than 80% of world trade, including vital medical supplies."
Greeting to all seafarers and stakeholders of Maritime Sector on #WorldMaritimeDay #COVID19Pandemic has highlighted professionalism & sacrifice of the 2 million seafarers. Shipping has continued to transport more than 80% of world trade, including vital medical supplies. pic.twitter.com/y0vqYGeJ9C
— Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) September 24, 2020
Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan took to Twitter and wrote, "...I would like to extend my gratitude towards the 2 mn+ merchant fleet personnel all over the world. Despite several hurdles faced during COVID-19, their unwavering professionalism ensured continuity in transport of key goods and supplies globally."
Today is #WorldMaritimeDay2020.
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) September 24, 2020
I would like to extend my gratitude towards the 2mn+ merchant fleet personnel all over the world.
Despite several hurdles faced during #COVID19, their unwavering professionalism ensured continuity in transport of key goods & supplies globally. pic.twitter.com/iTbIcbPwra
The pandemic has put sailors around the world in unprecedented crisis. When travel restrictions were imposed, they could not leave their ships, be repatriated home, or even get urgent medical help. Many even lost jobs as their contracts were suddenly terminated, according to the IMO.
IMO Member States met during an extraordinary session and called on all Governments to take urgent action to resolve the humanitarian and safety crisis faced by the international shipping community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic: https://t.co/QH74CFcwbF #CrewChangeCrisis pic.twitter.com/fY2n76mC8h
— IMO (@IMOHQ) September 22, 2020
World Maritime Day 2020: Focus of International Maritime Organization
- IMO has established the Seafarer Crisis Action Team
- Seafarers and their relatives can contact the SCAT by sending an email to info@imo.org
- Urgent medical treatment and evacuation
- Looking after the mental health of sailors
- Ensuring safe working conditions for seafarers
Happy World Maritime Day 2020!
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