Day of the Seafarer

Day of the Seafarer History

The Day of the Seafarer in Canada is an annual event celebrated on June 25th to raise awareness about the vital role of seafarers and the maritime industry in supporting global trade and economic development. The day recognizes the contribution of seafarers to the world economy by transporting goods and commodities across oceans and the risks they face during their time in the sea.

The Day of the Seafarer was first celebrated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2011. The objective of this day is to acknowledge the difficult conditions seafarers work in, show appreciation for their work, and recognize their sacrifices.

In Canada, Day of the Seafarer holds significant importance, as the country has an extensive coastline and depends heavily on maritime trade. The Canadian government, through Transport Canada and other agencies, has been working to ensure the continued safety, security, and well-being of seafarers. Canada's maritime community, including port authorities, shipping companies, and maritime training institutes, actively participate in celebrating the Day of the Seafarer through special events, information campaigns, and social media engagement to honor the contributions of seafarers and raise public awareness about their vital role in the global economy.

Day of the Seafarer facts

• The theme for Day of the Seafarer in 2024 will be Navigating the future: safety first!.
  In 2023 the theme was MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on.
• Worldwide, only about 2% to 10% of maritime containers are inspected.
• In 2020, the day took on special significance because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many seafarers were stranded at sea due to travel restrictions, which prevented crew changes, and led to significant international attention to their plight.
• In Canada, the Canadian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC) has been prominent in the promotion of the Day of the Seafarer. They organize events and activities aimed at raising awareness about the maritime industry and the role of seafarers in fueling economic growth in the country.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Day of the Seafarer

Top things to do in Canada for Day of the Seafarer

• Learn more about the issues seafarers are facing.
• Browse the International Maritime Organization's publications and learn more about the maritime industry and seafarers.
• Visit coastal parks to enjoy the beauty of Canada's seaways and experience the lives of seafarers. Parks such as Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Kejimkujik National Park Seaside, and Cape Breton Highlands National Park are some examples.
• Visit one of Canada's several maritime museums, including the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax, Vancouver Maritime Museum, and the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.