Day of the Seafarer a ‘reminder of the responsibility we all carry’, says OSM Thome

On the occasion of the Day of the Seafarer 2025, Julia Anastasiou, Chief Crew Management Officer at OSM Thome, writes: “Each year, the International Day of the Seafarer gives us a moment to pause and reflect—not only on the dedication and sacrifices of those at sea, but also on the kind of workplace we’re shaping for them. This year’s theme, ‘My Harassment-Free Ship’, is a powerful reminder of the responsibility we all carry: to ensure that every ship is a place of safety, dignity, and respect.

“At OSM Thome, this responsibility is not taken lightly. We recognize that harassment and discrimination—whether subtle or overt—erode the very core of trust onboard. That is why we have put concrete systems in place to actively prevent and address these issues. Our onboard training programs ensure that every crew member understands what respectful conduct means and how to identify, report, and challenge inappropriate behaviour. These sessions go beyond compliance—they are about building a culture of inclusion, where everyone feels safe to speak up.

“We are especially proud of the Women’s Desk we have established within our Crew Management team—a dedicated space offering confidential guidance and support for our female seafarers. This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing the unique challenges women face at sea and making sure that concerns are met not with silence, but with action.

“Beyond this, we maintain confidential reporting channels and support systems that are readily accessible to all crew. These allow our seafarers to raise issues without fear of retaliation. Our leadership—both ashore and onboard—are trained to respond quickly and with empathy, guided by clear protocols and a deep understanding of the impact such incidents can have.

“We also listen. Regular check-ins, open feedback loops, and a culture that encourages communication are all part of how we monitor and reinforce the well-being of our people. Because respect at sea should not be conditional—it should be foundational.

“To every seafarer sailing under the OSM Thome banner: know that we stand with you. If you are ever in doubt, if you feel unsafe or unheard—reach out. You are not alone, and we will act.

“Creating a harassment-free ship is not just a campaign—it is our collective commitment. Let us carry this message not only in our words, but in our daily actions, our leadership, and the way we treat one another at sea.”