Inmarsat is proud to be supporting Seafarers Awareness Week, the annual campaign taking place this week coordinated by the Seafarers UK charity to raise the awareness of seafarers in the UK.
This year the event will be highlighting ‘Opportunities to Work at Sea’ through a series of talks, open days and events that showcase education, training and recruitment services for employment within the maritime shipping industry.
Seafarers UK will launch five new films about young people embarking on careers at sea – from working on a cruise liner, Royal Navy frigate, workboat or superyacht, to training to drive a merchant ship.
Research has shown that few people are aware of the diverse range of careers available or how important the maritime sector is to the UK’s economy and modern life, employing over 531,000 and contributing more that £26.5 billion each year.
The films will be premiered at a reception, sponsored by Inmarsat, at the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) headquarters in London on 25 June, to commemorate the Day of the Seafarer.
Guests include government officials, the UK Chamber of Shipping, Seavision, cadets and their families, and maritime and training colleges, as well as representatives from the IMO and its Secretary General Koji Sekimizu.
‘On the Day of the Seafarer, I wish to encourage everybody who is already engaged in this vital professional world to reach out to a new generation,” said Koji Sekimizu.
“Tell them about your life and your work; inspire and encourage them to explore for themselves a career at sea or elsewhere in the maritime industries.’
Inmarsat has a rich maritime heritage having been formed in 1979 by the IMO to enable ships to stay in constant touch with shore or to call for help in an emergency, no matter how far out to sea.
Drew Brandy, Senior Vice President of Market Strategy for Inmarsat Maritime commented: “Our industry relies on the dedication, support and relentless effort of seafarers and their families. We are proud to recognise the great work of Seafarers UK and Seafarers Awareness Week in attracting a new generation of professional seafarers into the UK maritime industry.”
To find out more details about the events taking place throughout Seafarers Awareness Week download the agenda at www.seafarersawarenessweek.org.
