Published: June 23, 2024
Monrovia — Liberia joins other maritime nations to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of seafarers on the occasion of the Day of the Seafarers. This event honors the invaluable contributions of the maritime workforce to the industry, recognizing seafarers’ critical role in the nation’s economy and global trade and underscoring Liberia’s commitment to supporting and recognizing these maritime trailblazers.
The Day of the Seafarers was established in 2010 by a resolution adopted at a diplomatic conference in Manila, Philippines, during the revision of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). The conference, known as Manila 2010, designated June 25th each year for this observance. This year’s celebration is 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 enhance the well-being of Liberian seafarers through training and decent job placements on board vessels worldwide and offshore.
“We are acutely aware that our responsibility does not begin or end with the training of a professional workforce for the maritime industry; rather, we are also responsible for ensuring that those trained can either seek further improvement in their professional training or seek employment on vessels straddling national and international waters,” stated the LiMA boss.
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 maritime careers at the Regional Maritime University in Ghana and the World Maritime University. Commissioner Lighe emphasized encouraging more women to join the industry.
Commissioner Lighe urged all stakeholders to continue working together to support and uplift the maritime workforce. “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,” he said.
Ms. Hennistta Wonder Nyangbe, the Director of Manning, added, “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.” She also noted, “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.
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