Today, the Day of the Seafarer 2019

 "Get on board with gender equality," is the theme of this year's International Day of the Seafarer, which is celebrated each year on 25 June.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is calling on everyone in the maritime world and beyond to get on board with this year's theme of gender equality and declare their support.  

"# I Am On Board" can be used by anyone engaging in the campaign, male or female, to show their solidarity for gender equality in seafaring.

"To everyone in shipping – you are missing out on a huge talent pool if you don't recognise and empower women in the workplace. Join our Day of the Seafarer campaign and get on board with gender equality at sea," said IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim.

This year's Day of the Seafarer campaign, with its hashtag  # IAmOnBoard,  links with the IMO World Maritime Day theme, Empowering Women in the Maritime Community. The theme supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development goals, specifically SDG 5.  

"Gender equality is vital for sustainable development. Join our Day of the Seafarer campaign to promote seafaring as a career for women," Secretary-General Lim said. "I'm on board with gender equality at sea. Are you?"

The Day of the Seafarer is marked annually on 25 June. The day celebrates and recognizes the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society.