The Australian Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese yesterday officially launched the International Year of the Seafarer.Organised by the Australian Shipowners Association, the official launch coincided with the Shipping Industry Awareness Day.

The Minister said that it was an occasion to reflect on the unique but often overlooked contribution merchant seafarers make to the wellbeing of communities and the prosperity of the global economy.

The world’s 1.5 million merchant seafarers are responsible for transporting more than 90 per cent of the products and produce traded globally, a job that involves long periods of separation from family and friends as well as the risks posed by pirates and the weather.
“As an island continent, Australia is particularly reliant on the global maritime industry, with virtually all our exports and imports needing to be transported by sea.  In fact, we have the fifth largest shipping task in the world,” said Mr Albanese.

“As well as paying tribute to the dedication of seafarers and educating the community about the challenges they confront every day, the International Year of the Seafarer also gives the industry a good opportunity to step up its recruitment efforts and encourage more young people to consider a career at sea.”

With more than 4,000 ships navigating Australian waters every year, many near environmental icons such as the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef, Mr Albanese added that Australia has a strong interest in making sure these vessels continue to be manned by highly trained and dedicated seafarers.

The International Year of the Seafarer is an initiative of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the UN agency responsible for safety, security and environmental standards within the international maritime industry.

Courtesy:shiptalk.com