The Day of the Seafarer (June 25) was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to adopt the revised STCW Convention. Its stated purpose is to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole.

The resolution "encourages Governments, shipping organizations, companies, shipowners and all other parties concerned to duly and appropriately promote the Day of the Seafarer and take action to celebrate it meaningfully".

Day of the Seafarer is recognized by the United Nations as an observance day.

This year, the Day of the Seafarer campaign will focus on revealing the realities of life at sea, highlighting the hardship, pressure and risks that seafarers can face. It will draw particular attention to the challenges of operating in high-risk and conflict-affected areas, while underscoring the essential role seafarers play in keeping the global economy moving.

The campaign will be built around the line: “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks.” It reflects the fact that seafarers keep global trade moving, while often facing difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions. Their contribution is often out of sight, even though they are central to the movement of goods around the world.  

The aim is for this year’s Day of the Seafarer to not only recognize seafarers’ contribution but also acknowledge the risks and sacrifices behind it.