The Seafarers’ Charity has released the final films of the "Smart Seafarers, Safe Return" campaign on seafarer abandonment ahead of World Maritime Day. These films are designed to assist seafarers and their families in identifying warning signs of abandonment and practical measures for self-protection.
World Maritime Day Theme
This year's World Maritime Day theme is "From Policy to Action: Enhancing Maritime Excellence." The Seafarers’ Charity emphasizes the importance of practical and accessible support for those working at sea. All three animated films are now available along with a downloadable guide in six languages commonly spoken among seafarers.
Definition of Seafarer Abandonment
Abandonment occurs when ship owners fail to pay wages for at least two months, stop providing food, fuel, or essential supplies, or simply disappear, leaving the crew behind. According to the International Transport Workers' Federation, 2025 was the worst recorded year, with 410 ships abandoned and 6,223 seafarers affected, representing an increase of over 30% compared to 2024.
Deborah Layton, CEO of The Seafarers’ Charity, stated: "Policy only has an impact when it translates into action. For seafarers, this means they need access to clear information that helps them make informed decisions and know where to turn for help."
Smart Seafarers Campaign
The "Smart Seafarers, Safe Return" campaign was launched in June in celebration of Seafarers Day 2026. This campaign aims to simplify the complex and sometimes difficult issue of seafarer abandonment using short animated films and practical guides. The completed resources cover key stages of a seafarer's journey, including checking a new job and the credibility of an employer or vessel, to understanding what actions to take if wages are unpaid or necessary support is unavailable.
The downloadable guide is also available in Arabic, Bahasa, Mandarin, Hindi, Russian, and Tagalog, helping to reduce language barriers and improve access to information for the international workforce.
The Seafarers’ Charity invites maritime employers, training providers, welfare organizations, unions, charities, and other entities active in the maritime sector to share these resources with those who can benefit from them.
