Ships to sound horns in recognition of seafarers

​In Melbourne and all around the world, ships in ports will sound their horns at noon, local time, on Friday 1 May 2020.

This is in recognition and appreciation of the contribution seafarers are making to keeping the world supplied with food, fuel and important goods such as vital medical equipment. Not only during the COVID-19 pandemic, but every day.

This is particularly important to Australians because we live on an island nation and are reliant on ships and seafarers for most of our imports and exports.

The first of May has been chosen because it is traditionally International Workers Day, or May Day, and is the occasion to recognise and celebrate the contributions made by workers across the world.