This year’s International Day of the Seafarer, celebrated on 25 June, was marked aboard the MSC Armonia cruise ship, operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The event was organized by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs of Montenegro and was attended by numerous government officials, representatives of maritime institutions, the Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor, the Port of Kotor, maritime associations, and other relevant companies and organizations from Montenegro and abroad.
The event followed the official International Maritime Organization (IMO) theme, “Carrying the world trade. Carrying the risks.”, and was dedicated to all seafarers who have found themselves in areas affected by armed conflict in recent months, with particular recognition given to Montenegrin seafarers who remain in those regions
On behalf of the host, Captain Scarpato welcomed the guests. Special attention was then given to the address by Ms. Maja Markovčić Kostelac, Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), who travelled to Montenegro specifically for this occasion.
In the opening session, remarks were also delivered by Mr. Filip Radulović, Minister of Maritime Affairs; Dr. Igor Kumborović, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Kotor; Captain Goran Idrizović, Director General of the Directorate for Maritime Safety; and representatives of MSC Cruises.
The second part of the programme featured a panel discussion entitled “Seafarers’ Safety, Wellbeing and Mental Health, Particularly for Those Operating in High-Risk or Warlike Areas.” The panelists included Professor Damir Zec (Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Rijeka), Captain Neđeljko Radulović (President of the Seafarers’ Union of Montenegro), Captain Ivica Fažo (President of the Association of Maritime Captains of Montenegro), and Captain Bojan Lazović (active seafarer and lecturer at the Maritime Secondary School).
Drawing on their professional expertise and experience, the panelists discussed the growing and emerging risks faced by seafarers operating in certain navigation areas. They examined the challenges posed by rapidly evolving situations that are difficult to manage within the framework of existing international regulations and maritime conventions, as well as the uncertainty surrounding future developments.
The discussion also addressed the impact of high-risk situations on the families of seafarers. A message was sent to the media, urging responsible reporting based on officially verified information rather than sensationalism, particularly regarding Montenegrin seafarers who remain in the war-affected area of the Persian Gulf.
The panel discussion and the event were moderated by Associate Professor Dr. Zorica Đurović, Vice Dean for Development and Communications at the Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor.
