United Nations` IMO designates 2010 Year of the Seafarer

THE International Maritime Organisation has announced that the theme for World Maritime Day 2010 will be Year of the Seafarer, a tribute to the world`s 1.5 million serving sailors.
"At IMO, we are ever-conscious of the important role you play in helping us achieve safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans," said the UN body`s secretary general Efthimios Mitropoulos.
In his message to the world`s seafarers Mr Mitropoulos sought to reassure seafarers that the United Nations agency charged with the regulating shipping does "understand the extreme pressures you face and as a result, we approach our own tasks with a genuine sympathy for the work that you carry out."
He said the IMO also aims to "add impetus" to the Go-to-Sea! campaign launched in November 2008 to attract new sailors and to encourage young people to go to sea.
"Last, but most importantly, we want to convey to you a clear message that the entire shipping community understands and cares for you as shown by the efforts we make to ensure that you are fairly treated when ships on which you serve become involved in accidents; are looked after when you are abandoned in ports; are not refused shore leave for security purposes; are protected when your work takes you into piracy-infested areas; and are not left unaided when you are in distress at sea," he said.