WORLD MARITIME DAY

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever heard about the term “maritime”? Have you heard about “World Maritime Day”? Do you know when it was first celebrated and what is the reason behind celebrating this day worldwide and what is its theme for this year (2020)? If your answer is no, then not to worry as I am going to discuss “World Maritime Day” in the below-mentioned context.

ABOUT THE TOPIC

World Maritime Day is celebrated on 24 September in remembrance of the contribution of International maritime industries towards the economy of the world especially shipping. World maritime day is celebrated every year by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The exact date for the celebration of this day is left to individual governments but it is usually celebrated in the last week of September i.e. generally celebrated on the last Thursday of the month. World maritime day mainly focuses on shipping safety, maritime security, and maritime environment and aims to raise awareness among people about the importance of maritime security, shipping safety, and maritime environment.

HISTORY OF WORLD MARITIME DAY

The world relies on a safe, secure, and efficient international shipping industry, which is an important component of any program for future sustainable green economic growth in a sustainable manner. International shipping transports almost 80 percent of global trade to peoples and communities all over the world. World Maritime Day was held for the first time on 17 March 1978 to mark the date when the IMO Convention entered in force in 1958. IMO was initially named Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) but later it was changed to IMO in the year 1982. Shipping is the most effective and efficient method of International transportation for most goods as it provides a dependable, low-cost means for transporting goods all over the world, facilitating commerce, and helping to create prosperity among people and nations. The membership of IMO includes virtually all the nations of the world.

THEME OF WORLD MARITIME DAY

The theme for world maritime day is based on sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet. The theme mainly focuses on providing an opportunity to raise awareness among the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The shipping industry along with the help of the IMO regulatory framework has already started the transition towards this sustainable future. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, this day had celebrated in the form of an online event due to precautionary measures caused by the pandemic. COVID-19 has marked the professionalism and sacrifice of two million seafarers who serve on the world’s merchant fleet. Shipping has now continued to transport more than 80% of world trade which includes vital medical supplies, food, and other basic goods that are essentially crucial for people during these pandemic days.

CONCLUSION

From the above, we can conclude that shipping is one of the crucial components of any country. We have to support and give respect to them and their work and try to contribute to them to make the shipping industry of our country more safe, secure, and economical.