Around the world, merchandise is transported by sea, making maritime trade the backbone of international commerce. But as this year’s Day of the Seafarer theme reminds us, those who carry world trade also carry the risks.
From extreme weather and congested sea lanes to equipment failures and distress situations far from shore, working at sea remains one of the world’s most demanding and hazardous professions. Thanks to global radiocommunications systems seafarers are never truly alone. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), through its regulatory framework, helps ensure that these services are available worldwide.
Safety at sea and reliable radio
Seafarers rely on radiocommunications to navigate safely, share their position, avoid collisions and, when necessary, call for help. Ensuring these systems work seamlessly is essential, it is a matter of life-safety.
The ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU‑R) manages the global radio‑frequency spectrum and satellite orbits, including those used by maritime services. Through the Radio Regulations, ITU‑R allocates and protects frequencies used for maritime radiocommunication and radionavigation, safeguarding them from harmful interference that could disrupt distress alerts or navigation systems.
Global rules that protect lives
Nearly a quarter of the articles in the Radio Regulations relate directly to maritime radiocommunication. These provisions stipulate protected frequencies for critical safety‑of‑life systems and allow ships and rescue services worldwide to communicate reliably, regardless of flag or location.
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), developed through cooperation between ITU and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), enables vessels in distress to rapidly alert shore‑based rescue coordination centres and nearby ships using terrestrial and satellite radio technologies.
For seafarers facing emergencies at sea, the GMDSS can make the difference between rescue and tragedy.
Modernizing maritime safety for today’s risks
Decisions taken at the last World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC‑23) marked an important step in modernizing the GMDSS, aligning the Radio Regulations with the latest international maritime safety developments.
Updates have facilitated the integration of newer digital technologies, the introduction of improved navigational data services, and the incorporation of advanced search‑and‑rescue tools such as equipment for locating vessels through the Automatic Identification System (AIS). Together, these measures give seafarers more reliable access to radio links and more timely safety information, even in the most challenging conditions.
WRC-23 also expanded the GMDSS by recognizing usage of the BeiDou Satellite Messaging Service System, subject to successful completion of coordination with existing networks and elimination of interference.
Spectrum and satellite-related agenda items for global coverage to be discussed during the upcoming WRC-27 have the potential to further boost safety at sea.
A shared responsibility to seafarers
Seafarers shoulder immense responsibility on behalf of us all.
The 2026 theme for the day is a reminder of their inseparable undertakings: “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks.”
Through international cooperation, technical standards and spectrum management, ITU helps make maritime radiocommunications reliable, interoperable and interference‑free, supporting safer navigation, faster rescue and greater confidence for those working far from shore.
On this Day of the Seafarer, we recognize those who keep world trade moving – and the global communication and navigation systems that help bring them home safely.
Source: https://www.itu.int/hub/2026/06/enabling-world-maritime-trade-and-keeping-seafarers-safe/
