I have spent 29 years voyaging through the vast and relentless seas, as a seafarer. I know the fatigue, the isolation, and the longing for a glimpse of the land that every sailor goes through during their time at sea. However, what strikes me hardest and hits close to the home is the lack of access to shore leave in multiple ports and anchorages worldwide.

Shore leave, a period during which a seafarer can step off the ship and head to the mainland, becomes essential to maintain optimal mental health and wellbeing for these tireless workers of the sea. It also grants us a chance to reconnect with humanity, experience cultures, and rejuvenate before embarking on the next journey.

World Shipping Council reports indicate that about 1.5 million seafarers work annually, and 90% of the world's goods are transported by sea. Yet, the International Transport Workers' Federation estimates that a significant portion of these seafarers rarely receive the opportunity for shore leave due to various restrictions or impracticable port policies. This issue needs attention.

In affirmation of the Maritime Labor Convention, 2006, we urge the international authorities and port administrations to acknowledge and rectify this limitation. It is high time that all seafarers be allowed free shore leave at all ports and anchorages around the world, irrespective of the nationality or shipping line.

With this petition, we send a message too loud to ignore, echoing across the globe: Let the seafarers reclaim their right to set foot on land, to breathe the air that is not confined by the ship's hull. Please sign the petition to support this cause. Your involvement could be a landmark in achieving this fundamental right for all seafarers worldwide.