The International Maritime Organization has dedicated the year 2010 as the year seafarer. In a message posted on the IMO website, E.E. Mitropoulos, Secretary General of the IMO dedicated the year to the 1.5 million seafarers, men and women, around the world, and their often underappreciated contributions to global trade and commerce.

As a maritime attorney, I was happy to note that the Secretary General’s message made mention of the extraordinary service that a seaman renders in often dangerous circumstances.  The Secretary General also assured seafarers that the IMO understands the severe pressure they work under, and appreciates the tremendous work they do. The message also outlines the several ways in which seamen are treated reprehensibly –abandoned in ports, injured in accidents, refused shore leave, exposed to pirate attacks and left on their own when in an emergency at sea.

As a maritime lawyer, I always find it encouraging when people in positions of authority who are better placed to make conditions easier for seafarers than I am, speak on behalf of seamen.  There is more action I would like to see from the International Maritime Organization, as far as seamen’s security and safety is concerned.  For one, I would like to see greater pressure on shipping companies in the face of an increasing stream of pirate attacks. We are far from an end to this menace, and the IMO could do more to increase pressure on maritime companies to increase security measures, reroute voyages, and hire armed security teams.