Tanzania marks seafarers’ day with call to engage youths in maritime sector

ZANZIBAR: TANZANIA joined the rest of the world in marking the International Day of the Seafarer with a strong call to action for Tanzanian youths, especially women to take advantage of emerging career opportunities in the maritime sector, amid a global shortage of skilled seafarers.

Speaking during the opening of the ‘Seafarers’ Week’ official celebrations held at the Sheikh Idriss Abdulwakil Hall in Kikwajuni, Zanzibar’s Minister for Infrastructure, Communications and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohammed, emphasised the critical role of seafarers in the global economy, encouraging Tanzanians to step forward and fill the growing labour gap.

“Seafaring is a key pillar of the global economy. Over 90 per cent of international trade is transported by sea. Yet there remains a significant shortage of qualified seafarers, particularly those with mid- to high-level skills,” Dr Khalid said.

Representing the Union Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa who was supposed to officiate the event, Dr Salum said that the day is celebrated to recognise the vital contribution of seafarers in global maritime transport and trade.

He challenged young Tanzanians of all genders to embrace this opportunity by enrolling in maritime education and building careers at sea, “Seafaring is not a profession reserved for men only. It is a career for anyone with the ambition and passion to connect the world through the ocean.” Dr Khalid highlighted that in the context of the blue economy, Tanzania has vast potential to benefit from its marine resources by expanding sectors such as shipbuilding, marine equipment manufacturing, sustainable fishing and strategic tourism.

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To achieve this, he called for stronger policies, strategic investment, and public-private partnerships to create a friendly and inclusive working environment for all seafarers, especially women.

The minister also announced Tanzania’s support for the global “My Ship, My Safety” campaign led by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), which seeks to eliminate harassment, gender-based violence, discrimination and offensive language aboard ships.

He urged maritime regulatory bodies, including TASAC and ZMA, to ensure seafarers’ rights are protected, particularly for women, by addressing workplace safety, equal opportunities, and maternity rights.

“Shipowners must offer on-board training opportunities for female students in maritime colleges. We must ensure ships are safe and respectful spaces for all and especially empower women to thrive in this field,” the Zanzibar Minister stressed.

ZMA Board Chairman, Mr Mustafa Aboud Jumbe, echoed the message, calling on seafarers to become ambassadors for ocean safety and environmental preservation. He urged them to avoid polluting the seas and continue upgrading their skills to meet global standards.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Stela Joshua Katende, described the ocean as a primary source of livelihood for Tanzanians, urging institutions to play their role in protecting marine ecosystems.

“Seafarers’ welfare must be safeguarded to ensure the maritime sector continues to contribute meaningfully to the national economy,” she added.

TASAC Board Chair, Captain Mussa Mandia, saluted the resilience and courage of seafarers, describing their work as essential to keeping Tanzania connected to the world through maritime trade.

“Let us stand united to strengthen the safety and wellbeing of our seafarers. Their success is our national success,” he said.

The International Day of Seafarers is on June 25. In his remarks, Prof Tumain Gurumo, Principal of the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute, said the institution has trained over 95 per cent of Tanzania’s current seafarers.

He expressed pride in their contribution to national development and called for continued investment in maritime training.

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The International Day of the Seafarer was established in 2010 by a diplomatic resolution in Manila, Philippines, following amendments to the STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978).

The theme for this year’s celebrations is “Our Ocean, Our Responsibility, Our Opportunity,” highlighting the shared duty to protect and harness ocean resources for sustainable development.