President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), Dr. Odunayo Ani, has commended Nigerian seafarers for their contributions to sustaining global trade, as the world celebrates the Day of the Seafarer on Tuesday, June 25 2024.
Ani, who is doubles as director at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said in line with this year’s theme of Seafarers contribution to making the maritime sector a safer workplace,’ seafarers have definitely been safety-conscious according to their training, taking on enormous tasks at sea.
She noted that as much as every aspect of the work at sea demands adherence to safety protocols, seafarers around the world are doing their very best technically, to ensure that trade processes involving shipping are hitch-free and sustainable.
The WISTA Nigeria president praised the efforts of seafarers; be they marine engineers, ship captains and everyone who are playing their roles in this discipline.
“On this 2024 Day of the Seafarer celebration, WISTA Nigeria is proudly appreciating seafarers all around the world and particularly our Nigerian seafarers. We are proud of you and we appreciate the sacrifices you make to help world trade.
“There is no doubt about the fact of your safety-consciousness in the line of your duty. That is the reason why shipping and other work at sea including fishing, deep sea mining, travels and more are still happening,” Ani said.
The Day of the Seafarer (25 June) was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to adopt the revised STCW Convention. Its purpose is to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole.
The resolution “encourages Governments, shipping organizations, companies, ship owners and all other parties concerned to duly and appropriately promote the Day of the Seafarer and take action to celebrate it meaningfully.”
“WISTA Nigeria identifies seafarers as a group of individuals who are the pillars of global trade, the inspiration of our maritime economy and the guardians of our oceans. We honour seafarers all over the globe, who sail through the enormous seas to connect continents, cultures and communities,” she added.
Ani further noted that the theme for this year’s celebration echoes the core values of the maritime profession and underscores the critical importance of safety in every aspect of seafarers’ lives.
This year’s theme: Navigating the Future: Safety First is not just a theme, but a vision for a safer, more sustainable maritime industry. It is a call to action for all of us to prioritize the well-being and safety of our seafarers as we embrace the innovations and opportunities of tomorrow.
To our seafarers, we thank you for your dedication and service. You are the true navigators of our future, and with safety as our compass, there are no seas we cannot conquer,” she concluded.
