Jamaica proudly joins the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its Member States in observing the Day of the Seafarer, celebrated this year under the theme, “Fair Future for Seafarers”.

Today as we mark the annual international Day of the Seafarer, our world is a very different place. Ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic, all of us have experienced difficulties, hardships and losses. As a global community we have joined forces and supported each other to overcome this monumental threat.

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has brought acute focus to the maritime industry, and the individuals and entities that operate within it. It is a shame that it took a global health crisis to begin global discussions about the vital importance of our seafarers.

Merchant seafarers have chosen a dangerous occupation in which they are exposed to risks in a combination rarely encountered in other occupations.

• Detlef Nielsen, “Deaths at sea - a study of fatalities on board Hong Kong-registered merchant ships (1986–95)”

Panel discussion featuring Rear Admiral Peter Brady, Director General of Maritime Authority of Jamaica; Dr. Hortense Ross Innerarity, Superintendent of Pilotage, Port Authority of Jamaica; Capt. Devron Newman, Dean, Faculty of Marine and Nautical Studies, Caribbean Maritime University.

Garfield Allen, third-officer, Exmar Ship Management and CMU Alumnus provided his perspective on the current realities facing seafarers across the globe.