Day of the Seafarers 2024
JAMAICA OBSERVER SUPPLEMENT
On this Day of the Seafarer, we celebrate and honour the dedication, bravery, and hard work of every person who sails the seas, ensuring the flow of goods and services across the globe. This year's theme, "Safety Tips at Sea," emphasizes seafarers' vital contributions to making the maritime sector a safer workplace.
As the Minister with responsibility for Transport, I am grateful for every seafarer’s commitment and contribution to our maritime industry. The Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport (MSETT) is acutely aware of the unique challenges seafarers face daily in the maritime space. Whether navigating through treacherous waters, battling harsh weather conditions, or managing complex onboard operations, your job demands resilience, skill and unwavering dedication. Jamaica remains grateful for the seafarers, navigators of the seas and strive to improve its maritime space.
This year's theme aims to spotlight the essential role of seafarers in fostering a culture of safety at sea. It also serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to continually seek ways to improve and uphold the highest safety standards and recognizes the importance of the job.
This year focuses on highlighting the invaluable knowledge and experience that you, our seafarers, possess in maintaining and enhancing safety standards in serving the nation and world at large. We invite you to share your best #safetytipsatsea and join the conversation of best safety tips, and coping mentally, professionally at sea. Whether it is the gear you wear, the training you receive, or the practices you follow, your insights are crucial in our collective effort to improve maritime safety. Your shared experiences and tips can significantly contribute to a safer maritime environment. The Ministry recognizes that safety at sea is a paramount concern, and we are committed to fostering a culture where every seafarer feels secure and supported. The Ministry is committed to supporting you in this endeavor through the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) and maritime policies in accordance with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) standards. Your feedback and experiences will inform policies, improve training programmes and enhance safety regulations. Together, we can create a safer, more secure maritime environment. Worldwide, shipping is on a mission to ensure the safety of the lives of these brave people. The lives of seafarers, passengers and the protection of property and the marine environment are all important components of the modern shipping industry. Safety is not just a policy but a way of life at sea. It is a continuous effort that involves every aspect of maritime operations, from the gear you wear to the training you undergo and the protocols you follow. To build a safer maritime environment, we must draw upon the collective wisdom and experience of those who know the sea best—you, the seafarers.
Prioritizing proper safety gear is essential, as it serves as the first line of defense against many hazards at sea. Continuous training in emergency procedures, first aid, and firefighting cannot be overstated, as regular drills equip you with the necessary skills and confidence to handle emergencies, making a crucial difference when seconds count. Adopting a safety-first attitude, strictly adhering to established safety protocols and conducting thorough checks before, during, and after operations is imperative, as shortcuts can endanger lives.
As we celebrate this Day of the Seafarer, let us renew our commitment to safety and work together to ensure that every seafarer returns home safely. The Ministry celebrates your contributions and sacrifices. Your hard work, resilience, and dedication are the backbone of the maritime industry and keeping the world’s economy afloat.
Happy Day of the Seafarer 2024! #SafetyTipsAtSea
Hon. Daryl Vaz, MP.
Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport