Day of the Seafarer is to recognise the contribution made by 1.5 million seafarers to international trade and the world economy, often at great personal cost to themselves and their families. Ships carry more than 90% of world trade safely, efficiently and with minimal impact on the environment. Issues facing the modern-day seafarer include piracy, fair treatment of seafarers at ports, and the provision of appropriate facilities and comforts while seafarers are at sea.