Day of the Seafarer 2023: Date, Theme and History

Day of the Seafarer 2023

The Day of the Seafarer honours all individuals who operate in close proximity to salt water, including Coast Guards, Navies, fisherman, marine biologists, and cruise ship captains. It commemorates the first recorded sea voyage around 3200 BCE, which was sponsored by the Egyptian Pharaoh Snefru, known for building several pyramids. This annual event, held on June 25th, strives to recognise the important role that seafarers play in international trade, the global economy, and society as a whole. Furthermore, it highlights their tremendous efforts to protect the marine ecosystem.

Day of the Seafarer 2023 Theme

This year’s Day of the Seafarer reflects the 2023 World Maritime theme: “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on”. The 2023 campaign hashtag is #OceansWorthProtecting

Day of the Seafarer History

The Day of the Seafarer was established through a resolution passed during the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila, where the revised STCW Convention was adopted. This day, observed on June 25th, aims to acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional contribution made by seafarers worldwide to international maritime trade, the global economy, and society as a whole. The resolution encourages governments, shipping organizations, companies, shipowners, and other relevant parties to actively promote and appropriately celebrate this significant day. The United Nations recognizes the Day of the Seafarer as an official observance day.