MONROVIA – Liberia joins other maritime nations to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of seafarers on the occasion marking the observance of the Day of the Seafarers. The event is dedicated to honoring the invaluable contributions of its maritime workforce to the industry. This celebration acknowledges seafarers’ critical role in the nation’s economy and global trade, underscoring Liberia’s commitment to supporting and recognizing these maritime trailblazers.
According to LiMA press release, the ‘DAY OF THE SEAFARERS’ was established in 2010 by a resolution adopted at a diplomatic conference in Manila, the Philippines during the revised version of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). The conference was known as the Manila 2010 and the 25th of June every year was set aside for the Day of the Seafarers. This year’s celebration is being held under the theme: “Navigating the future: Safety First”.
Given Liberia’s position as a major maritime nation, Commissioner/CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Cllr Neto Zarzar Lighe has pledged to ensure that the well-being of Liberian seafarers is enhanced not just through training but decent job placements on board vessels across the world as well as offshore.
“We are acutely aware that our responsibility does not begin or end with the training of professional workforce for the maritime industry; rather, we are also responsible for ensuring that those trained are allowed to either seek further improvement in their professional training or to seek employment on vessels straddling the national and international waters,” the LiMA boss stated.
He assured that this strategic focus would seek to increase the enrollment of young Liberians at the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) and provide scholarships to those interested in pursuing careers in the maritime at the Regional Maritime University in Ghana and the World Maritime University. Commissioner Lighe stressed that specific emphasis would be placed on encouraging more women in the industry.
Commissioner Lighe urges all stakeholders to continue working together to support and uplift the maritime workforce.
He said “Let us use this day as a reminder of the importance of our seafarers and the need to strive for their betterment continuously. Together, we can ensure that Liberia remains a beacon of excellence in the maritime world.”
Ms. Hennistta Wonder Nyangbe, the Director of Manning said “Today, we honor the brave men and women who spend countless days and nights at sea, away from their families, to keep our economy moving and ensure the flow of goods around the world. Your dedication and resilience underpin global trade” adding “We are investing in the future of Liberia’s maritime sector by equipping our youth with the necessary tools to succeed. We aim to create opportunities for young Liberians to thrive in this dynamic and essential industry.”
The observance of Seafarers Day in Liberia is not just a celebration but a commitment to the future. It signifies a renewed focus on improving the conditions and opportunities for seafarers, enhancing training programs, and ensuring that Liberia remains a leader in the global maritime industry.
