Today marks World Seafarers’ Day, a date that recognizes the vital role of maritime professionals in international trade and the global economy, while also highlighting the risks and personal sacrifices associated with the profession. In this interview, Lieutenant Commander Pedro Nuno Nero Luís, director of the Azores Communications Center, emphasizes the importance of valuing those who, often far from the public eye, ensure safety, supply, and communication between the islands, addressing the challenges of military life in an island territory, the impact of new technologies, and the spirit necessary for those who choose a career at sea.
Correio dos Açores – How important is it to mark World Seafarers’ Day, especially in an archipelago like the Azores?
Lieutenant Pedro Nuno Nero Luís (Director of the Azores Communications Center) – It is very important. In the Azores, the sea is not just a landscape; it is part of our life, our economy, and our identity. Marking World Seafarers’ Day in the Azores holds significant symbolic and practical value. We are a region surrounded by the sea, where our connection to the ocean is not only historical but vital to our economy, security, and cultural identity.
This day is an opportunity to recognize the daily efforts of all those who, far from the public eye, ensure the functioning of commercial transport of goods and people, fishing, navigation safety, the safeguarding of human life at sea, who participate in scientific research, contributing to the sustainability of marine resources, and in recreational activities that bring the general public closer to the reality of the oceans, which are of particular importance here in our region and deserve recognition and gratitude.
In your experience, what distinguishes military life at sea or connected to the sea in an island territory such as this?
In an island territory such as the Azores, military life at sea, or connected to the sea, requires constant adaptation to the geographical, climatic, and natural reality. Geographical, because the distance between islands becomes an obstacle in case of urgent need; climatic, because the sea around the Azores is known for its roughness, and the storms that hit us always create challenges; and natural, because we are a region rich in natural events, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides, which test our ability to provide close and rapid support to the affected populations. Added to this is the fact that we are far from the mainland, which implies a greater sense of mission, resilience, and rapid response capacity. But at the same time, we feel a closer, much more direct connection with local communities. There is mutual recognition, mutual respect, and a greater sense of belonging. The sea unites us, and those we honor today share the motivations and challenges we feel.
What are the biggest challenges facing maritime professionals in the Azores today?
There are several. First of all, the weather conditions can change quickly and quite intensely. Having the Azores sea as your home ground means that your daily life is almost without routine, always different, always unpredictable, always challenging. Then there is the distance—both between islands and around the mainland—which makes access to repairs more difficult and requires much greater maintenance logistics, as well as technical assistance, which is not available on all islands, nor would it be feasible, and ensuring supplies for the population. The shortage of professionals in general is also a concern. We are a country that is not very focused on the sea. We give it a lot of importance, but we lack the courage to embrace it and make it our office. And, of course, there is the need to reconcile the sustainable exploitation and use of the marine environment and its resources with the protection of ecosystems — a complex and urgent task.
What is the mission of the Azores Communications Center, and what role does it play in the region’s maritime safety?
Among other things, our role is to ensure that maritime distress communications operate 24 hours a day. This includes maintaining contact with vessels, providing navigational assistance, disseminating important maritime safety warnings and weather forecasts, and, above all, collaborating in search and rescue operations in support of the MRCC Delgada. The Azores Communications Center is a vital structure for ensuring the continuous availability of maritime communications in the region. This center acts as a critical link in ensuring the safety of those who navigate in our waters.


Can you give some specific examples of situations where this work has been decisive?
Yes, there are several examples. By constantly monitoring maritime distress frequencies, we have been able to assist everything from fishing vessels in distress to drifting yachts and passengers with medical emergencies. In several of these situations, our permanent availability—in coordination with the MRCC Delgada and the National Maritime Authority—has saved lives and prevented serious incidents. Each of these situations demonstrates the inestimable value of an effective and well-coordinated communications system.
What image do the Azoreans have today of the role of sailors?
I believe that the Azoreans deeply recognize and value the role of sailors. There is an innate connection to the sea in this region, and this translates into a natural respect for those who choose a life of sacrifice, often far from their families, to ensure transportation, safety, and support for those who sail the seas of the Azores. Of course, there is always room to improve knowledge about the specifics of the profession, but the image is generally positive and one of recognition.
What do you think has changed in recent decades in the way of life of those who work at sea?
A lot has changed. Technology has profoundly transformed the way we navigate, communicate, and operate at sea. Today, we navigate with greater precision, communicate more effectively, and there is increased safety. Information is more accessible, and support on the ground is more readily available. However, the challenges have also increased: the pace of work is more demanding, regulations are tighter, and environmental and social impacts are being discussed more widely. The sea remains a challenging environment, and those who work there know that, despite the advances, some things never change: isolation, sacrifice, and responsibility.
What kind of profile or spirit is needed for someone to pursue this career today?
You need to have a sense of mission. You need both emotional and physical endurance. You need to have a taste for adventure and a strong ability to adapt. You need to be prepared for difficult times. Working at sea requires decision-making skills, as decisions often have a direct impact on the safety of people and property. You need to have a strong sense of team spirit and responsibility. The sea teaches us humility, as it is an environment where the unexpected is part of the routine, and its vastness makes us realize how small we are. But it also offers something rare: the feeling of contributing directly to something greater, to the safety, supply, and cohesion of entire communities. It is a noble career, but it is not for everyone.
What message would you like to leave to maritime professionals on this World Seafarers’ Day?
My message is one of gratitude and respect. To all those who choose the sea as their professional path, I offer my sincere thanks for your work, which is often invisible but absolutely essential.
Continue to serve with pride, for you are an example of courage, dedication, and service. And know that even when you are far from land, you are not forgotten. On this day, and every day, your efforts truly deserve recognition. Thank you very much to all seafarers, from the Azores and around the world. Happy World Seafarers’ Day!


Daniela Canhais is a journalist for Correio dos Açores, and Natalino Viveiros is the director.

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.