June 25: A day to say 'thank you, seafarers'

Included are the hundreds of thousands of crew members working on cruise ships around the world.

Cruise Lines International Association recognized the approximately 200,000 seafarers serving its member lines.

CLIA president and ceo Cindy D'Aoust called them 'the lifeblood of our industry, working tirelessly so passengers can enjoy a safe, reliable and sustainable cruise vacation.' She added: 'They not only provide enjoyable cruise travel experiences, but are indispensable to the safety and well-being of cruise passengers.'

This year's Day of the Seafarer theme is 'Seafarers Matter,' and the public is invited to say 'thank you' to seafarers by posting comments, pictures or video on social media with the hashtag #SeafarersMatter.

IMO particularly aims to engage ports and seafarer centers to demonstrate how much seafarers matter. The idea is for ports and seafarer centers to share and showcase best practices in seafarer support and welfare.

Special activities are being arranged for June 25, such as social events in port, public open houses at seafarer centers and free Wi-Fi.

IMO has created an interactive world map showcasing best practices in seafarer support and welfare, and welcomes information about events and activities taking place June 25.

Back by popular demand is IMO's photo wall where seafarers can upload images of themselves, colleagues and their work at sea.

And once again IMO has posted a quiz to test seafarer knowledge. Readers can find out if they're a landlubber, able seaman, chief officer or captain.

Day of the Seafarer was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to usher in the revised STCW Convention. The resolution 'encourages governments, shipping organizations, companies, shipowners and all other parties concerned to duly and appropriately promote the Day of the Seafarer and take action to celebrate it meaningfully.'

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