25 June 2014 – The Department of Foreign Affairs joins the international maritime community in commemorating the Day of the Seafarer today, June 25.

The United Nations, upon the recommendation of the International Maritime Organization, recognizes the contribution of seafarers by declaring June 25 of each year as the Day of the Seafarer.  The celebration was proposed during the Diplomatic Conference of Parties to Adopt Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) hosted by the Philippines last June 2010.

The Philippines adopted the theme “Pinoy Seafarers: Proudly Moving the World” for this year’s celebration.  Filipino seafarers account for 30% of all seafarers deployed in international merchant shipping.

Shipping is responsible for moving 90% of international trade and accounts only for 3% of greenhouse gas emission. It remains as the most environmentally-friendly mode of transporting goods worldwide.  END