The job of a seafarer is not exactly a walk in the park (Oriental Shipmgt. vs. Bastol, G.R. No. 186289, June 29, 2010).
A seafarer faces mental, physical, and emotional stress while sailing non-stop for weeks or months, in addition to exposure to extreme temperatures as ships cross ocean boundaries.
Thirty-six (36) Filipino seafarers were declared missing after the Panama-flagged livestock carrier Gulf Livestock 1, which was transporting 5,800 cattle, capsized in southwest Japan on September 2, 2020, during Typhoon Maysak.
This incident highlighted the perils of the shipping industry and the seafaring profession, as maritime disasters or accidents often result in the loss of life or injury to Filipino seafarers.
Prayers for the 36 missing Filipino seafarers were offered during the 25th National Seafarers’ Day (NSD) in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Four years later, the theme “Marinong Filipino: Ligtas na Paglalayag” resonated nationwide during the celebration of the 29th NSD, spearheaded by Stella Maris Philippines.
Wreath-laying and flower-throwing activities were held in honor of deceased seafarers and fishers, as well as those who have perished or gone missing at sea. The flowers symbolize the fragrance and beauty of love given and received.
Wreaths cast into the sea carry a message of love and gratitude to all the deceased seafarers, signifying that there is no distance of time or oceans but a mutual waiting for eternal reunion in peace.
President Fidel V. Ramos issued Proclamation No. 828, s. 1996, declaring August 18 as NSD, which was later moved to the last Sunday of September every year by Proclamation 1094, s. 1997. NSD aims to give due recognition to the vital role of Filipino seafarers in the development of the Philippines as a maritime nation.
In 2023, the number of deployed Filipino seafarers reached 578,626, with corresponding dollar remittances amounting to US$6,852,362,000, comprising at least 20 percent of the total overseas Filipino worker (OFW) remittances.
“We express our deepest appreciation to our beloved Filipino seafarers, wherever you may be. Your contributions and sacrifices do not go unnoticed. You are the backbone of our community, embodying the values of hard work, resilience, and compassion,” said Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo, Bishop Promoter of Stella Maris Philippines.
Stella Maris acts as the Catholic Church’s missionary work to the peoples of the sea, particularly seafarers on merchant, passenger, war, or fishing vessels. It provides practical and pastoral care to all peoples of the sea, regardless of nationality, belief, or race, through chaplaincies in ports across all continents.
Stella Maris Philippines is tasked with coordinating NSD-related nationwide activities in cooperation with the public and private sectors. These activities include masses and prayers for the safe voyage of seafarers, as well as grand parades, motorcades, novenas, processions, seminars, and oratorical, art, and karaoke contests.
Bishop Santos added, “Whoever you are, you are important. Your honesty and integrity shine through in all that you do. We commend you for your dedication and perseverance, which inspire us all.”
NSD coincides with National Maritime Week (NMW), held every last week of September. It is spearheaded alternately by government agencies such as the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) by virtue of Proclamation No. 1560, s. 2008. This year, NSD falls on September 29, while NMW runs from September 22 to September 29.
“Marinong Filipino: Ligtas na Paglalayag” is adapted from the “Navigating the Future: Safety First!” theme of this year’s World Maritime Day, celebrated on September 26, 2024.
The 2024 World Maritime Day theme reflects the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to enhance maritime safety and security in tandem with the protection of the marine environment.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention.
SOLAS is an important international treaty concerning the safety of merchant ships. It ensures that ships registered by signatory states comply with minimum safety standards in the construction, equipment, and operation of vessels.
The tragic sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912, redefined the concept of maritime safety and led to the adoption of the SOLAS Convention in 1914.
The Titanic set sail on its maiden voyage from Southampton on April 10, 1912, with 2,240 passengers and crew on board. On April 15, 1912, after striking an iceberg, the Titanic broke apart and sank to the bottom of the ocean, taking with it the lives of more than 1,500 passengers and crew.
The 1914 version of SOLAS was superseded by subsequent versions in 1929, 1948, 1960 (the first adopted under the auspices of the IMO), and the current version of 1974.
Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email [email protected], or call 09175025808 or 09088665786.
