In 2025, the IMO anchored the event around the powerful theme: “My Harassment-Free Ship.” This call to action echoed across fleets, reminding us all that safety, dignity, and respect should define maritime culture—not merely as aspirations, but as lived realities.

🌍 A Hybrid Celebration of Purpose and Unity

This year’s observance brought seafarers together through a dynamic hybrid event, blending onsite engagement with digital outreach.

A thoughtful QR code campaign invited participants to answer a central question:

“How do you promote a harassment-free ship?”

The heartfelt and insightful responses created a powerful space for reflection, shared learning, and collective responsibility.

A spirited quiz bee challenged participants’ knowledge of maritime safety and anti-harassment protocols, while reinforcing awareness of rights and remedies on board.

Meanwhile, shared meals turned ordinary breaks into moments of camaraderie, connection, and community support.

🧠 Learning for Lasting Impact

Two key learning sessions shaped the afternoon’s dialogue:

• A COCOLIFE-led discussion explored the lasting physical and mental health impacts of harassment, highlighting the urgency of early intervention and crew wellness.
• A webinar by GARD delivered practical tools and strategies for recognizing, reporting, and preventing bullying and harassment at sea—empowering crew to build safer cultures of accountability.

🎨 Art with a Mission: Poster-Making Contest

A standout feature of the day was the poster-making contest, open to all seafarers onboard HFS Philippines and HFS China vessels as Team/Vessel entries, and to individual entries from seafarers ashore. Participants transformed reflection into advocacy through bold, symbolic art that powerfully embodied the event’s theme.

The resulting pieces—displayed in a vibrant mini gallery—stood as visual testimonies to solidarity, dignity, and inclusion.

🏅 Hoegh Jacksonville was awarded top honors in the Team/Vessel category for their unified and evocative portrayal of respectful shipboard culture.

🏅 AB Adrian Paul Dogma earned distinction in the individual category for a compelling solo piece rooted in empathy, courage, and mutual respect.

🎉 Recognition and Shared Celebration

The event concluded with moments of gratitude and celebration:

• Poster-making winners were honored for their creative advocacy.
• The top five QR code responses were spotlighted for their clarity and insight.
• The top ten quiz bee scorers were applauded for their knowledge and commitment to safety.
• A spirited raffle draw brought joy to attendees and closed the day on a high note.

Whether participating online or in person, Day of the Seafarer 2025 reminded us that the strength of our industry lies not only in skill—but in empathy, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to dignity at sea. Guided by the IMO’s vision and powered by the dedication of every seafarer, we continue moving toward a future where every ship is a harassment-free ship.