World Maritime Day – Seafarers: At the core of shipping’s future

For The Bahamas Maritime Authority, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our seafarers so the theme for this year’s World Maritime Day – Seafarers: At the core of shipping’s future – resonates with the entire team.  The invaluable role of seafarers in the global supply chain has been recognised by The Bahamas through the adoption of the IMO Resolution designating seafarers as key workers.

Our seafarers have suffered innumerable hardships throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Not least the challenge of crew repatriation which has led to some seafarers remaining onboard for 18 months, or even more in a number of cases, while conversely others are unable to join their ships –  resulting in emotional or financial distress to the seafarer and their dependents. The Bahamas has been honoured to provide support to vessels, regardless of flag, from the early days of the pandemic, whether through offering shelter in Bahamian waters or assisting shipowners with the repatriation of their crew in ports around the world.

The mental health and wellbeing of seafarers has been at the top of The BMA’s agenda throughout the year and to better understand how seafarers are coping with the pandemic, the Authority has  implemented a Seafarer COVID-19 Welfare Survey.  The results of our survey, which are expected towards the end of the year, will be used to target support as identified by seafarers themselves as being the most appropriate, and this aligns with the IMO’s objective of implementing measures for seafarers.

Held annually, World Maritime Day is the opportunity to celebrate the maritime sector’s contribution to the global economy. This year in particular, seafarers and shipping have played a major part in the response to, and recovery from, the COVID-19 pandemic, for which The BMA is exceedingly appreciative. We are proud to stand beside the world’s seafarers.

Join the online event
Seafarers: At the core of shipping’s future on Thursday 30^h September at 12.00 BST.    @IMOHQ #WorldMaritimeDay

Spotlighting the role of seafarers on World Maritime Day (imo.org)