Gdynia Maritime University Celebrates International Day of the Seafarer
On 25 June 2024, Gdynia Maritime University's sail training ship, Dar Młodzieży, opened its decks to the team from the popular breakfast TV show “Pytanie na Śniadanie” which aires on channel TVP2. The well-loved breakfast show has been on the air since 2002.
In the early hours of the morning, viewers tuned in to hear stories about the University and its frigate told by HM The Rector, Professor Adam Weintrit; the Director of the Ship Management and Seagoing Service Department, Dariusz Jellonnek; Captain Rafał Szymański; senior Chef on Dar Młodzieży, Marek Szcześniak; and Kuba Kulbat and Piotr Węglowski – students of the Faculty of Navigation, currently undergoing training on board the ship.
The host of the live on-air interviews, Mirosław Riedel, together with his crew were allowed to visit the lower decks, usually unavailable to the public. He was given a sneak peak into the student quarters on board Dar Młodzieży where cadets live during their seagoing training. HM The Rector himself gave them a tour of the deck and shared his own memories from his time on board the ship where he served as an instructor shortly after graduating.
After I graduated from Gdynia Maritime School I was offered the role of an instructor on board this ship. As a result, I served for two years under Captain Leszek Wiktorowicz.
HM The Rector, Professor Adam Weintrit shared his plans to build a successor to the training ship:
Unfortunately, Dar Młodzieży was built during the hard times of Martial Law enforced in Poland in December 1981. Completed in 1982, it is clear it was built using materials which were not of the highest quality, therefore we are forced to think about building a worthy successor.
But that was not all the excitement planned by the University on the occasion of this unique day in the year. GMU students took to the streets where, in the vicinity of Gdynia's main Railway Station, they gave away sweets and postcards with the image of their beloved frigate. These were particularly popular with visiting tourists. The students were accompanied by their mascot, the Sea Wolf, who eagerly posed for pictures with all those who wished to capture this moment on their mobile phones and other devices.
The celebratory spirit of this maritime holiday can also be felt at the University shop where between 24 and 26 of June 2024 a special discount of up to 10% is offered on all items available for purchase.
The International Day of the Seafarer was established at the initiative of the International Maritime Organization in 2010. The holiday honours seafarers for their hard work and contribution to both the global economy and civil society. It also serves to remind the public of the personal sacrifices and risks they take in carrying out their duties.
