Nigeria will be joining the global celebration of the Day of the Seafarer, which is held annually on June 25th.
This year’s theme is “My Harassment-Free Ship,” focusing on promoting a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment at sea.
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasized the importance of recognizing seafarers’ contributions to international trade and the global economy.
Mobereola encouraged Nigerians to participate in the celebrations saying that without them, the seamless supply of valuables across borders would be nearly impossible.
The celebration is also an opportunity to highlight the importance of seafarers’ safety and well-being. Seafarers play a crucial role in the maritime industry, ensuring the safe and efficient transport of goods across the world’s oceans ⁴.
In Nigeria, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and other dignitaries will be attending the commemoration event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Day of the Seafarer, an observance day recognized by the United Nations, was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in Manila, Philippines to adopt the revised Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention. Its stated purpose is to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade and the world economy.
This year, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched a compelling campaign aimed at eradicating bullying, harassment, and discrimination at sea. It is only fitting that the IMO has chosen this year’s theme—“My Harassment-Free Ship”—to reinforce the importance of safeguarding those who dedicate their lives to life at sea.
In line with this year’s theme, NIMASA has already taken steps to establish real-time reporting channels, ensuring that seafarers have immediate access to support and intervention when needed.
To sustain the future of maritime trade, efforts must be intensified to make the profession attractive and safe for the next generation.
This includes implementing strong protective policies and enforcing strict penalties against perpetrators of harassment, particularly at sea. The acute shortage of seafaring personnel globally makes this point more important and even urgent.
The world must continue to recognize the indispensable role of seafarers—not just in words, but in action. Their welfare should remain a top priority for every government and industry stakeholder.
As the world mark this year’s Day of the Seafarer, let it go beyond symbolic optics into tangible commitments. The change we seek begins with collective accountability—from governments to shipping companies, crew members to the general public. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to rise to the challenge of creating ships that are not only seaworthy but also safe, respectful spaces where every seafarer can thrive. Because truly, seafarers make the world go round.
The 2025 campaign brings to the forefront the urgent need to foster safe, respectful, and inclusive working environments on board vessels. According to the IMO, this year’s campaign aims to:
• Raise awareness about the reality of harassment at sea.
• Promote proactive industry action to implement zero-tolerance policies.
• Encourage reporting and accountability through safe and accessible channels.
• Equip seafarers with the resources and support necessary to combat harassment.
