Raising Awareness of the Critical Role of Seafarers

Seafarers remain the silent keepers of global trade, in spite of the challenges that shipping faces today.

Initiatives to enhance the image of the seafaring profession and tangible recognition of seafarers as key workers are needed.   

As the shipping industry undergoes an energy and digital transformation, the reskilling and upskilling of seafarers is a critical prerequisite so that they can respond safely and effectively to the sector’s smooth transition to its future.

The sustainability of a skilled maritime workforce must be safeguarded, also by improving awareness of career opportunities within the seafaring profession. The sector requires high-caliber individuals but suffers from limited visibility, as public attention focuses mainly on maritime incidents rather than the seafarers’ contribution to the societies’ prosperity globally.

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) of the International Labour Organization (ILO), is a landmark achievement in setting global standards for seafarers’ working and living conditions. As 2026 marks twenty years since its adoption, governments must elevate their efforts to facilitate seafarers and strengthen the profession’s visibility as an attractive career path for young people.

The reskilling and upskilling of seafarers are a critical prerequisite for a smooth transition to shipping’s future.