Press Release
26 June 2026
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Maritime College, together with its maritime stakeholders, successfully commemorated the International Day of the Seafarer on Thursday, 25 June, under the global theme, “Carrying the World Trade, Carrying the Risk.”
The celebration brought together representatives from the Solomon Islands Maritime College (SIMC), Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA), Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA), Solomon Islands Seafarers Association (SISA), and Solomon Islands Maritime Transport Association (SIMTA) at the SINU Ranadi Campus.
Speaking at the event, SIMC Director Dr. Teorae Kabure highlighted the critical role seafarers play in sustaining global trade and economic growth.
“Sea transportation is the lifeblood of the world’s economy. Ships are needed in the maritime industry to transport goods, commodities, people and even animals between countries, but these ships cannot move without seafarers.”
Dr. Kabure described the Solomon Islands as a maritime nation and said seafarers, both past and present, should be remembered, recognised, and honoured for their invaluable contributions to the industry.
SINU Acting Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Eric Katovai also paid tribute to seafarers for their dedication, sacrifice, professionalism, and resilience. He noted that around 80 per cent of global trade is transported by sea, underscoring the Solomon Islands’ heavy reliance on the maritime sector.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, Associate Professor Katovai said:
“The theme reminds us that behind every product we purchase, every vehicle we drive, most items in our supermarkets, every piece of machinery used in our industries, and almost every essential commodity arriving in our islands, there are seafarers working tirelessly at sea.”
He acknowledged the many challenges faced by seafarers.
“They spend long periods away from their families and loved ones, endure challenging weather conditions, rough seas, operational hazards, fatigue, and the increasing demands associated with global commerce.”
“Their work is often unseen by the public, yet it remains essential to the functioning of the global economy and to the livelihoods of nations such as ours.”
Associate Professor Katovai also highlighted the important role the Solomon Islands Maritime College continues to play in national development.
“The Solomon Islands Maritime College occupies a unique and strategic place within SINU and within our nation’s development agenda.”
“For many years, SIMC has produced competent deck officers, marine engineers, ratings, and maritime professionals who have gone on to serve across the Pacific and around the world.”
“The College continues to play a vital role in supporting the maritime sector through education, training, certification, and professional development.”
Reaffirming SINU’s commitment to maritime education and training, he added:
“We remain committed to ensuring that our maritime programmes continue to meet national, regional, and international standards. We will continue working closely with SIMA, industry partners, shipping companies, and international stakeholders to ensure that our graduates possess the skills, knowledge, professionalism, and character required by the maritime industry.”
He also encouraged young people to pursue careers in the maritime industry while calling for greater support for seafarers.
“As we celebrate today, let us also commit ourselves to improving the welfare, safety, health, and wellbeing of seafarers. We must continue advocating for fair treatment, decent working conditions, access to training, and adequate support systems for all those who serve at sea.”
Associate Professor Katovai concluded by thanking industry partners, staff, and students for their continued contribution to maritime education and training.
The Guest of Honour, Deputy Secretary Corporate of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Andrew Houlia, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting a safe, resilient, and sustainable maritime sector. Mr Houlia represented the Minister for Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ricky Fuo’o, who was overseas on official duty.
The event featured an official flag-raising ceremony, parade, speeches, cake cutting, a minute of silence and wreath-laying ceremony in honour of seafarers who lost their lives at sea and ashore, as well as a rescue-at-sea demonstration.
ENDS//