The COVID-19 pandemic has increased challenges in everyone’s lives. In order to save lives, Governments ask their citizens to stay at home and keep social distancing guidelines Remote working has had an impact on many of us, with many people experiencing a deterioration in their mental and physical health, effecting relationships in some cases.

While we are on lockdown, to be safe and sound on land, many seafarers are working at sea to sustain the world’s supply chain, so that we can have food, medicine, necessary goods, and more importantly to keep the economy running. Seafarers are among the Key Workers, who have had to work on the front line during the pandemic. Besides the risk of life at sea and exposing themselves to the virus, seafarers have suffered from travel restrictions which make crew change and repatriation extremely difficult. They have become victims of the crisis since the travel restrictions have left them stranded at sea and have been unable to see their families even after their contracts have ended.

Working as a diplomat in the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Thailand to the International Maritime Organization, I have been collaborating with the IMO to support seafarers on many occasions and feel sympathy with individual seaman for the difficulties they face. The pandemic has affected my personal and working life but my situation cannot compare to that of seafarers.

During lockdown in London, I have tried to get back into exercise to maintain my enthusiasm and fitness while working from home, and most of the time, working online. But it is difficult to keep disciplined without a target. Therefore, I decided to join the Banana Triathlon on July 3, 2021, combining a 1500m swim, 42.4km cycle ride and 10km run. I wish to use this challenge not only to motivate myself but also to raise funds for the seafarers, by making a contribution to the Mission to Seafarers. And I want to invite you to join me in promoting the importance of seafarers and supporting them by making a generous donation.

The Mission to Seafarers has called everyone in maritime to back their Global Champions Unite campaign. They are calling for people to take on a challenge, whatever their fitness ability, in support of seafarers worldwide. Our efforts together will increase awareness for the challenges seafarers have faced, and continue to face. The funds raised through the campaign will contribute to MtSs Sustaining Crew Welfare Fund, which aims to maintain and adapt MtS services, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 virus.Visit https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/events/global-champions-unite