Onboarding respect: Championing safer, harassment-free ships

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THE international maritime sector marks the International Day of the Seafarer on June 25 each year to honor all the mariners, who have been faring through rough and calm seas, in order to sustain and facilitate international maritime trade and services.

Beyond acknowledging the contributions, sacrifices and hard work of these maritime workers, this year’s International Day of the Seafarer observance carries a weighty cargo that needs unpacking. It calls for a cultural and institutional shift toward building respectful and inclusive shipboard environments, where bullying and harassment have no space, and every seafarer feels seen, safe and protected.

In line with this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) launches the “My harassment-free ship” campaign. It brings attention to the harsh reality that many seafarers continue to face discrimination, bullying, harassment and abuse while onboard — issues that compromise their well-being, safety, dignity and development.

The IMO reveals that over half of female seafarers, along with many male seafarers, have experienced harassment onboard. This is a clear proof that the issue affects individuals across genders and ranks, often leading to emotional strain and hindrances to career growth.

Unfortunately, many seafarers continue to suffer in silence, as many incidents remain unreported, driven by fear of retaliation and doubts in existing reporting processes.

With the “My harassment-free ship” campaign, IMO urges the maritime sector to implement stronger policies, strengthen global cooperation, raise awareness of seafarers’ challenges, ensure safe and accessible reporting channels, and empower seafarers with the right resources and support in confronting harassment.

Through a video posted across online platforms, IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez sends a message of support to the international maritime community.

Dominguez expresses, “No one should feel alone in their struggle,” adding that IMO has taken steps to amend the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Code to protect and prevent seafarers from any forms of violence and harassment.

He adds, “Seafarers form a remarkable global workforce that calls ships their place of work. It is a unique, exciting and demanding environment — one that must be free from violence and harassment.” “We are developing interactive platforms to connect seafarers with best practices and support networks from around the globe,” affirms the IMO Secretary.

Internationally and locally celebrated

The International Day of the Seafarer has been established, following the adoption of a resolution at the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila, which has introduced major revisions to the STCW Code.

RESPECT IS OUR ANCHOR Today, June 25, Marlow Navigation proudly celebrates the International Day of the Seafarer, upholding a safe, inclusive and supportive environment across all its vessels and offices. Because at Marlow, every crew member matters. IMAGE FROM MARLOW NAVIGATION

In line with this, then-President Benigno Aquino III signed Proclamation 183 in June 2011, officially declaring June 25 of each year as the “Day of the Filipino Seafarer.” This encouraged all relevant maritime agencies, corporations, organizations, stakeholders and professionals — both from the public and private sectors — to take part in the celebration.

The nationwide observance of the International Day of the Seafarer was approved by the Conference of Parties in the same 2010 Manila Conference, during which the “Manila Amendments” to the STCW Convention and Code was adopted to address emerging issues and ensure standards stay relevant amid evolving industry developments.

It is important to note, however, that the Philippines also observes National Seafarers’ Day every last Sunday of September, as declared under Presidential Proclamation 1094, signed by then-president Fidel Ramos.

This National Seafarers Day celebration shares the same intent and spirit as the internationally recognized Day of the Seafarer, celebrated every June 25, to honor the vital contributions of seafarers — this time highlighting Filipino seafarers — in helping sustain global maritime trade and operations.

2025 International Day of the Seafarer festivities 

This year, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) leads the observance of the International Day of the Seafarer, starting with a special flag ceremony in Luneta Park in Manila and the Provincial Capitol in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, to appeal for safe and respectful workplaces for Filipino seafarers.

As part of the celebration, Marina has partnered with the Department of Transportation to offer free rides to seafarers today on the following railway lines: Light Rail Transit Line 2 or LRT-2 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 or MRT-3 from 5:30 a.m. until closing.  Seafarers are reminded to bring and present their valid Seafarer’s Record Book, Seafarer’s Identity Document or their Seafarer’s Identification Booklet to avail of the free ride at the railway station.

Marina, together with the Department of Migrant Workers, ALMA Maritime Group and Licensed Manning Agencies are also holding a job fair at the Rizal Park Hotel, Manila today, bringing job opportunities closer to Filipino seafarers. Interested participants of the job fair are encouraged to pre-register through this link: https://jobfair.marina.gov.ph/.  The celebration doesn’t stop there. Marina is recognizing outstanding individuals, whose skills and contributions to the maritime industry is worthy of the 2025 Gawad Natatanging Mandaragat title. Awardees will receive a plaque and P30,000 cash reward in the awarding ceremony.

To specially honor women in the maritime sector, Marina is also putting the spotlight on female bellwethers whose leadership and achievements have broken barriers and embodied inclusivity and empowerment on and off the ship through the SeafarHER Award.

Recipients of the SeafarHER Award will be given a plaque and P25,000 cash reward for each category of “Leadership in Seafaring” and “Advocacy for Women in Maritime.”  Today, as seafarers continue to embark on their journey across vast oceans, miles away from their families and loved ones, we recognize their courage, sacrifices and contributions to the growth and continuity of the global maritime trade.

In return, may we champion and ensure safer, harassment-free ships for all seafarers.

To all those who brave the seas, we salute you.

Happy International Day of the Seafarer.