Albanese, ASA launch tribute year to seafarers

Coinciding with Shipping Industry Awareness Day, Mr Albanese said it was an opportunity to "reflect on the unique but often overlooked contribution merchant seafarers make to the well-being of communities and the prosperity of the global economy".

"The world's 1.5m merchant seafarers are responsible for transporting more than 90% of the products and produce traded globally, a job that involves long periods of separation from family and friends as well as the risks posed by pirates and the weather," he said.

"As well as paying tribute to the dedication of seafarers and educating the community about the challenges they confront every day, the International Year of the Seafarer also gives the industry a good opportunity to step up its recruitment efforts and encourage more young people to consider a career at sea."

The International Year of the Seafarer is an initiative of the International Maritime Organization.