UN maritime agency dedicates 2010 to world's seafarers

MANILA, Philippines - A United Nations agency tasked with regulating shipping is dedicating 2010 to the 1.5 million seafarers worldwide facing the perils of pirates off Somalia, risks of accidents at sea or abandonment in port.

Efthimios Mitropoulos, UN International Maritime Organization secretary-general, said this is in recognition of the extraordinary service the seamen render every day, frequently under dangerous circumstances, in delivering the daily needs of more than 6.5 billion people throughout the world.

“Our intention is to pay tribute to you, the world’s 1.5 million seafarers – men and women from all over the globe - for the unique, and all too often overlooked, contribution you make to the wellbeing of all of us,” he said.

“The wheat that makes our daily bread, the gas and oil that warms our homes or moves our vehicles and the gifts we will share and enjoy with our families and friends over this festive season.”

Mitropoulos said seafarers play an important role in helping to achieve safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans.

“We, who are responsible for the international regulatory regime and who serve shipping from ashore, do understand the extreme pressures that you face and that, as a result, we approach our own tasks with a genuine sympathy for the work that you carry out,” he said.

Mitropoulos said the IMO ensure that seamen are fairly compensated when ships on which they serve become involved in accidents, and that they are looked after when they are abandoned in ports; refused shore leave for security purposes; protected when work takes them into piracy-infested areas; and when they are in distress at sea.

“It is a fact that goes unnoticed or is taken for granted by most, but one that should be trumpeted loud and clear,” he said.

“For seafarers the world over deserve our respect, recognition and gratitude and, during 2010, we at IMO are resolved to ensure that the world does take notice of your exceptional role and contribution and of the special debt that all of us owe to you.”