Tribute for World Maritime Day 2021

“We won’t forget all they did at a time when we needed them more than ever”
- Our tribute for World Maritime Day  

As the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO)  World Maritime Day (WMD) turns the focus back onto seafarers and their well-being, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) says it’s essential that everyone continues to support those who work at sea.  

The MCA says seafarers must continue to be recognised as keyworkers and supported in all they do.  

While the pandemic has highlighted the work of the seafarers in ensuring the global supply chain has been kept going, the MCA says it is important to keep them front and centre in terms of their wellbeing and welfare.  


Katy Ware, Director of UK Maritime Services and the UK’s Permanent Representative to the IMO said:

“We’ve said all along that seafarers’ welfare and wellbeing is non-negotiable. We will not waver from that, neither will we compromise in our work to safeguard and enhance their future.  

“We should never forget all they have done and continue to do to keep food and medicines moving at a time when we needed them more than ever.  

“Their reward should and must be our everlasting gratitude, both in our hearts and in the practical outworking of that to do what is right for their safety and welfare.  

“We stand with the IMO steadfast in our commitment to making sure the challenges seafarers have faced and do face will one day all be confined to history.”  

The Red Ensign and the IMO’s flag will fly at the MCA’s Headquarters in Southampton in honour of WMD.

Flying the IMO flag in Southampton 2021

BACKGROUND  

WMD is celebrated annually and is used to focus attention on the importance of shipping safety, security and the maritime environment.  It also emphasises a particular aspect of IMO’s work.   

The theme this year is dedicated to the human element of the maritime industry: the seafarers. WMD seeks to increase the visibility of seafarers and highlight the invaluable role they play now and will continue to do in the future.

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