We are delighted to be opening the awards nominations during the week of the International Day of the Seafarer - when we celebrate the work of the many seafarers who spend months away from their families, working under tough conditions.

Now in their third year, the International Seafarers' Welfare Awards have become a highlight of the year in the maritime welfare sector. The awards are designed to recognise companies, ports, welfare organisations and individuals who provide excellent welfare facilities and services to seafarers on land or at sea.

While we continue to be concerned by the hardships that many seafarers face, we are heartened by stories of those fully committed to the health and wellbeing of those who work at sea.

So I encourage seafarers to nominate those that have shown them exceptional service this year. There are four categories:

• Port of The Year
• Shipping Company of the Year
• Welfare Personality of the Year
• Drop in Welfare Centre of the Year

The new category for Drop in Welfare Centre of the Year has been added to recognise the vital support that smaller services offer.

Seafarers can submit their nominations here: www.seafarerswelfareawards.org/nominate.

Once a shipping company, port or seafarer centre receives a nomination, we will get in touch and invite them to complete a full awards submission to take them through to the judging stage.

Please help us spread the word about the awards to as many seafarers as possible, so that those who support them can get the recognition they deserve.

The dedicated awards site is www.seafarerswelfareawards.org

Roger Harris