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The International Day of the Seafarer (25 June), recognized by the United Nations as a day of observance, was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila. Its stated purpose is to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole. 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".

The Mission to Seafarers, Vancouver will be expressing our appreciation to the seafarers in word and food on our visits to the ships and in both our seafarer centres.

We have also partnered with the Pacific Pilotage Authority to fly the Mission flag on 4 Pilot Boats on the West Coast on June 25th.

This year, the Day of the Seafarer campaign will focus on revealing the realities of life at sea, highlighting the hardship, pressure and risks that seafarers can face. It will draw particular attention to the challenges of operating in high-risk and conflict-affected areas, while underscoring the essential role seafarers play in keeping the global economy moving.

The campaign will be built around the line: “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks.” It reflects the fact that seafarers keep global trade moving, while often facing difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions. Their contribution is often out of sight, even though they are central to the movement of goods around the world.  

The aim is for this year’s Day of the Seafarer to not only recognize seafarers’ contribution but also acknowledge the risks and sacrifices behind it. 

The hashtag for this year will be #DayoftheSeafarer

We will also be holding a brief time of prayer for the seafarers on Wednesday 24th June at 13:00pm in the Chapel of the Waterfront Centre. Everyone is welcome to attend as we express our gratitude for the seafarers, pray for their safety, better working conditions, their families and the maritime industry.

There will be tea and coffee and cookies afterwards.

There is some free parking by the Waterfront Centre.

(At security please present government issued photo ID and say you are going to the Mission to Seafarers Centre)