Namibia: The Namibian Port Authority, popularly known as ‘Namport’ has recently joined the global maritime community yesterday. Building a future of respect at sea, they conveyed a message to celebrate the unsung heroes of global shipping – the Seafarers.
Day of the Seafarer 2025 was celebrated under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and followed the theme ‘My Harassment-Free Ship’. It is a bold initiative taken to promote a culture of respect and zero tolerance. This initiative aims at eradicating bullying, harassment, and discrimination at sea.
Observance Day, Day of the Seafarer was recognized by the United Nations and was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in Manila, Philippines to adopt the revised Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention.
The 2025 campaign has brought to the forefront the urgent need to foster safe, respectful and inclusive working environments on board vessels and to reinforce the importance of safeguarding those who dedicated their lives to life at sea.
According to the IMO, this year’s campaign aims at various key points, such as:
- to raise awareness about the reality of harassment at sea;
- promote proactive industry action to implement zero-tolerance policies;
- encourage reporting and accountability through safe and accessible channels;
- and, equip seafarers with the resources and support necessary to combat harassment.
Reportedly, the Day of the Seafarer is more than a celebration; it is a call for action and is about changing the maritime culture to one where every seafarer feels safe, valued and protected at sea. Explore the Interactive World Map, access campaign materials and join them in making every ship a harassment-free workplace.
They believe that together, the world can create a safer maritime industry. The National Liaison Officer of IMO in Namibia – Suoma Kalulu said that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is doing its part.
Officer Kalulu added that they have taken a decisive step to amend the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarer’s Code, mandating training for all seafarers on preventing and addressing violence and harassment.
According to Kalulu, the workplace bullying and harassment is a substantial problem in the maritime industry with a prevalence rate of between 8% to 25% of all seafarers and over 50% of women seafarers. Harassment and bullying are serious issues that aggravate mental health among seafarers. These behaviors create a toxic work environment, leading to increased stress, anxiety, depression and feeling of isolation among crew members.
Eventually, the impact of such experiences is profound and affects not only the targeted individual but also the overall morale and productivity of the crew. Kalulu highlighted that this campaign seeks to raise awareness about the reality of harassment at sea, promote proactive industry action to implement zero-tolerance policies and encourage reporting and accountability through safe and accessible channels as well as equip seafarers with resources and support to navigate and combat harassment.
She said, “We call upon all seafarers to share their stories and be part of the movement as well as all shipping companies to strengthen policies and onboard training and the maritime organizations to support and advocate for seafarers’ rights.”
Suoma Kalulu added that the IMO believes no seafarers should feel alone in this struggle. The team is ready to work with the Seafarers to make every ship a harassment-free workplace and create a safer maritime industry. “I would like to thank all seafarers of the world for their dedication and resilience. Let’s give the Seafarers the respect and acknowledgement they deserve” she concluded.