WORLD SEAFARERS’ DAY

As we commemorate this year's annual Day of the Seafarer, with the theme "MARPOL and the
Marine Environment", with a focus on the seafarers' contribution to protecting the marine
environment, in line with the World Maritime theme "MARPOL at 50 – Our Commitment
Goes On".
The Intergovernmental Standing Committee on Shipping (ISCOS), a Regional Maritime
Organisation that operates in Eastern, Southern, and Northern Africa, whose mandate is to
promote, protect, and coordinate the shipping and maritime interests of its member States and the
region, takes this opportunity to celebrate our gallant ladies and gentlemen who give their lives
to ensure our cargo arrives safely.
As a regional Maritime Organization, we are fully aware of the challenges you face daily, as you
spend countless hours at sea, working tirelessly to maintain the safety of both cargo and our
precious marine environment. As our oceans bear witness to the adverse effects of human
activities, leading to the deterioration of aquatic habitats, we recognize that you hold a significant
part of the solution.
As an organization committed to promoting maritime safety, security, and environmental
protection, ISCOS firmly believes that the responsibility of protecting our marine environment
lies with all stakeholders involved. This includes you, the seafarers, who possess firsthand
knowledge and experience of the sea's wonders and vulnerabilities.
On this Day of the Seafarer, let us renew our commitment to preserving the marine environment
and ensuring a sustainable future for our oceans. Your dedication and unwavering resolve inspire
us all, and we stand with you in striving for a cleaner, healthier, and safer maritime world.
We conclude with a word of gratitude for your invaluable contributions! Today, we celebrate
your achievements, sacrifices, and unyielding spirit.