Today is the IMO Day of the Seafarer. It is the day when we all say 'Thank you' to the 1.5 million seafarers around the world for their vital contribution to our everyday lives. Everyone involved in the maritime world knows that without seafarers petrol stations would dry up and shops would not be re-stocked. The challenge for us is to convey this to the wider world and the general public. To most people around the world the lives of seafarers are hidden. They do not know of the hardship and dangers that seafarers face. They do not know of the separation of seafarers from their families and friends and of their isolation for months at a time. On the Day of the Seafarer the International Committee of Seafarers Welfare re-affirms its commitment to seafarers and to their welfare and wellbeing.

The ICSW works to promote the welfare of seafarers worldwide. We seek to improve the access of seafarers to welfare facilities and services in ports and onboard ship. We work with ship owners, governments, unions, and welfare organisations. We need to ensure that the welfare of seafarers becomes a priority over the coming year. We look forward to the imminent ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention and its implementation in just over a year's time.

For more information take a look at the Day of the Seafarer facebook page and also follow on twitter at @seafarerday.