Ahead of this year’s Day of the Seafarer 2024, a Message from John Rowley, CEO, Wallem Group:

As we look forward to this year’s Day of the Seafarer (DotS), I want to take a moment to recognise the incredible contributions of our seafarers. Social media, both a boon and a burden, plays a crucial role in this acknowledgment. The IMO ‘encourages governments, shipping organisations, companies, shipowners, and all other parties to promote and celebrate’ the essential work of those at sea.

Social media is our industry’s most powerful tool for directly reaching our seafarers, acknowledging their vital role in global society, and advancing best practices for crew welfare and safety. The theme for this year’s Day of the Seafarer, #SafetyTipsAtSea, aligns perfectly with this mission. The 2024 DotS campaign offers an opportunity to harness the strength of social media to spread important safety messages that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The role of social media in enhancing seafarer wellbeing, attracting new talent, and addressing critical issues like working in war zones, piracy threats, gender equality, sexual harassment, bullying, and mental health cannot be overstated.

At Wallem, we are committed to supporting the #SafetyTipsAtSea campaign. We will encourage our seafarers and shore-based colleagues to actively participate, contributing to a safer maritime sector. Our ambition is for all seafarers and the broader industry to engage online, driving the DotS campaign and supporting Wallem’s commitment to safety.

John Rowley, CEO, Wallem Group