IMO YEAR OF THE SEAFARER

Sailors’ Society recognises IMO Year of the Seafarer

Global charity embraces International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) initiative to offer greater support to the world’s invisible workforce

International maritime welfare charity the Sailors’ Society is backing the IMO Year of the Seafarer campaign with a new fundraising drive asking for just £1 for every seafarer the charity aims to reach in 2010 – that’s around 375,000 seafarers.

In announcing 2010 as the Year of the Seafarer, IMO Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos - himself a former seafarer – stated, “Seafarers deserve respect and recognition: let us resolve, during 2010, to ensure that this message is trumpeted loud and clear.”

The Sailors’ Society aims to provide the international maritime community with the opportunity to pay tribute to the world's seafarers for the vital role they play in the facilitation of global trade as well as recognition of the risks they shoulder in the execution of their duties in an often hostile environment.

The charity will honour this aim, with all donations contributing to the international support network it has developed to enrich and enhance the lives of the world’s 1.2 million seafarers, offering practical help, emotional and spiritual support as well as financial assistance and family liaison. The initiative provides a valuable opportunity for maritime organisations to show their solidarity with seafarers and support by donating to the cause.

Jan Webber, the Sailors’ Society Director of Fundraising said, “We are delighted that the IMO has designated 2010 as the year of the seafarer, as it shines the spotlight on the dangers and hardships that seafarers can face. Our Port Chaplains visit thousands of ships every year, and we understand just how vital this work is. We are asking people and companies to help us raise just £1 for every seafarer we aim to help annually, in recognition of the Year of the Seafarer. Funds raised will enable us to sustain our vital services in ports where there are few or no services.”