DotS was established by the IMO at the same time as the revised STCW Convention with its focus on seafarer welfare in 2010.
This year the IMO is encouraging ports and seafarer centres to hold events and take actions “to demonstrate how much seafarers matter to them.” The idea is to “share and showcase best practices in seafarer support and welfare,” it added.
Seafarer centres act as “a sanctuary” for those working at sea, commented IMO secretary-general Kitack Lim, pointing out that “it is a difficult and demanding job with long periods away from family and friends, and seafarers can feel isolated and lonely.”
In the UK DotS will coincide with a Seafarers Awareness week, from 24-30 June. Supporting the event is Inmarsat, which will be underlining the importance of communications to those at sea by launching a new initiative during the week.
Coinciding with the end of the week on Friday 30 June will be the Seatrade Awards ceremony in London, this year being held at Grosvenor House during the day (12-5pm). A percentage of all ticket sales will be donated to charities Seafarers UK and The Mission to Seafarers, as well as proceeds from a silent auction to be held during the lunch. For further details please see www.seatrade-awards.com
Meanwhile, the Seatrade Maritime Awards Asia is taking place at the Intercontinental Hong Kong on 23 June, again supporting seafarer charities. For further details please see www.seatradeasiaawards.com
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