25 June 2011: Marking the International Day of the Seafarer, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) has noted that ships have the potential to contribute significantly to ocean pollution, through garbage, sewage, ballast water and oil, which increases the importance of seafarers adhering to conventions and protocols established to guide good practice in waste disposal and dealing with crises resulting in oil spills.

The Day was sponsored by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), on 25 June 2011. SPREP announced the safe arrival, in Hawaii, of the Pacific Voyagers, after 59 days of sailing in seven traditional double-hulled vaka. The Pacific Voyagers brought urgent messages regarding the plight of the ocean and the need to take strong measures to reduce species loss, maintain fish stocks and minimize impacts of ocean acidification, SPREP said.

SPREP also noted that, although the number of Pacific island seafarers is small in the global context, their employment on foreign-flag vessels contributes significant economic benefits to small island nations such as Kiribati and Tuvalu. The IMO, in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), is working to ensure that seafarers have the right to working conditions equitable with people on shore. [SPREP Press Release]