International Day of the Seafarer 2026; June 25th.

FORUM: "Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks". International Day of the Seafarer 2026. This year’s Day of the Seafarer campaign highlights the hardship, pressure and risks of life at sea, especially in high‑risk and conflict‑affected areas, while underscoring seafarers’ essential role in keeping global trade moving. Centered on the line “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks”, it stresses that their vital contribution often remains out of sight despite difficult and dangerous conditions. The aim is to recognize their contribution while acknowledging the risks and sacrifices behind it. Follow the conversations with the hashtags:#SeafarerLife, #Dayoftheseafarer, #25june.

EVENTS: On Thursday, June 25th, the World Seafarers and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) celebrate the International Day of the Seafarer 2026 in London, United Kingdom. Today, we join
IMOHQ in recognizing the world’s seafarers. They keep global trade moving, often under immense pressure and in difficult conditions, ensuring essential goods reach communities worldwide. On this #DayOfTheSeafarer, let's recognize their contribution and the risks they carry. Register to participate!

The Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR 13) opened today with a focus on the #DayoftheSeafarer and an agenda covering maritime safety, digital navigation and radiocommunications. Read IMOSecGen full opening speech.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on International Day of the Seafarer 2026; June 25th.

Nearly 90 per cent of all goods and commodities – from food to medicine to energy – come to us by sea. It is ships and seafarers that keep the world afloat.

But when nations clash, seafarers are often caught in the crossfire. Recent events in the Strait of Hormuz have seen tens of thousands of seafarers stranded as they work far from home to keep the world fuelled and fed.

This year’s theme – “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks.” – reminds us that mariners must never be the victims or pawns of geopolitical conflict. Governments and industry have a responsibility to support and protect seafarers, by upholding labour standards, respecting international laws, and ensuring sailors everywhere remain safe from harm.

The landbound among us are often “seablind”, unaware of the crucial importance of shipping until a crisis strikes. On this International Day of the Seafarer, let us honour the courage and skills of mariners, and stand with them to weather all storms.

António Guterres.

Full message: Arabic ; Chinese ; French ; English ; Russian ; Spanish

Statement of the IMO Secretary-General on behalf the International Day of the Seafarer 2026; June 25th.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

Arabic, Chinese, French, English, Russian, Spanish.

TAKE ACTION: How you can contribute!

Here's how you can contribute to our 2026 Day of the Seafarer edition:

If you are a seafarer -  Share what “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks.” means to you. Tell us about the realities of life at sea, the challenges you face, or the moments that define your work. Join the conversation using #DayoftheSeafarer

If you work in shipping or the maritime industry - Highlight how your company or organization supports seafarers’ safety, wellbeing and mental health — particularly for those operating in high-risk or conflict-affected areas.

If you are a government, maritime administration, NGO or union - Share the actions, policies or initiatives you are taking to support and protect seafarers working under difficult conditions and in challenging environments.

If you are part of the UN family or an international organization - Share how seafarers connect to your work and why their role is essential to global trade, humanitarian assistance and sustainable development.

For everyone
Join us in recognizing the contribution, resilience and sacrifices of seafarers worldwide. Share your message using #DayoftheSeafarer

Uncrewed maritime systems are changing the tides of maritime warfare, and seafarers face rougher waters. On today's #DayOfTheSeafarer, explore UNIDIR's research entitled "CHANGING TIDES" to learn how the UN Register of Conventional Arms can keep the seas safer for all. 

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: Get Access to the digital board, download all the resources and share them on social media!


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The resources are also available in French and Spanish here!

IMO Secretary-General

Available in English, French and Spanish

Available in English, French and Spanish

International Day of the Seafarer 2024; June 25th.

FORUM: "Your top tips for safety at sea." International Day of the Seafarer 2024. This year, we focus on seafarers' contribution in making the maritime sector a safer workplace. To engage seafarers, we want them to share the best safety tips at sea, whether it’s the gear they wear or the training they receive. As part of the campaign, we will highlight how they keep their workplace safe. Grateful for all the amazing support on this celebration. Your participation makes a huge difference. Follow the conversations with the hashtags:#SafetyTipsAtSea, #Dayoftheseafarer, #25june.

Statement by the United Nations Secretary-General on International Day of the Seafarer 2024; June 25th.


The Day of the Seafarer is a time to celebrate and recognize the two million people around the world who operate the ships that carry more than 80% of the volume of world trade. Seafarers are vital in ensuring a seamless flow of essential goods that eventually make it into markets, homes, and onto our tables. Without them, the world would not be able to transport the large quantities of commodities that societies require to survive. But their own lives have been put on the line in the face of grave threats. Attacks on international shipping routes and acts of piracy are unacceptable. Ships and seafarers must not be held hostage and hijacked. Seafarers should not be collateral victims in wider geopolitical conflicts. Seafarers from across the globe provide a vital source of income to their families back home, while on long voyages at sea. Let us together salute them for their essential work and support their safety.

United Nations Secretary-General.

EVENTS: On June 25th, the World Seafarers and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) celebrate the International Day of the Seafarer 2024 the under the theme "Your top tips for safety at sea.". During this Day we pay tribute to those who have lost their lives while serving on ships attacked in the Red Sea. Attacks against international shipping can never be justified. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those deceased.

• MV True Confidence – Three lives lost
• MV Tutor – One life lost

CAMPAIGN:  Safety Tips at Sea.
Seafarers spend a great deal of their time on board ships, and this provides many opportunities for them to take pictures of their working environment. To all the seafarers, we are asking you to:

1. Share a picture of yourself in your working environment with your top tip for safety at sea with the hashtag #SafetyTipsAtSea.
2. Be creative, you can share the equipment you use to keep your workplace safe or any special training you received, and tell us how you work to enhance maritime safety and security, in tandem with the protection of the marine environment. Let us know how you keep up with the pace of technological change and innovation to stay safe onboard.

How to get involved:

1. Seafarer organizations – share pictures of how your help seafarers stay safe;
2. Wider public – show your appreciation for the work of seafarers and how their safety at sea is in the interest of all us.

Read press release: Day of the Seafarer spotlights safety at sea.

More about Day of the Seafarer.