Mumbai: 28 September, 2021

‘World Maritime Day 2021’ was celebrated virtually on 28^th Sept., 2021 with a theme - “Seafarers: At the Core of Shipping’s Future” in the presence of a huge number of Seafarers and their families in India and abroad by remembering the great efforts made by the seafarers to the civil society and their role in maintaining the crucial global supply chain of essential items intact inspite of challenging times. International Maritime Organization (IMO) has chosen to make 2021 a year of action for seafarers, who are facing unprecedented hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite their vital role as key workers for global supply chains.

Shri Atul Ubale, Chairman, National Maritime Day Celebrations (Organizing) Committee welcomed all dignitaries in the program and explained background of celebration of this Day.

A video message of Mr. Kitack Lim, Hon’ble Secretary General, IMO was played wherein he expressed his gratitude and admired the dedication and professionalism of more than one and a half million seafarers worldwide and urged for immediate action to help them.

Keynote Speaker, Mr. Stephen Cotton, General Secretary, International Transport Workers’ Federations (ITF) appreciated the efforts taken by the government of India during the Covid times and encouraged our seafarers for maintaining their physical and psychological balance during this time.  He provided a very thoughtful, experienced and insightful guidance to the seafarers.

Some of the sailing seafarers shared their views on theme selected by IMO and also highlighted on the subjects like Crew Change, Marine Environment & Seafarers, Safety of Seafarers and Gender Diversity.

While addressing the gathering, Director General of Shipping & Chairman, NMDC, Central Committee Shri Amitabh Kumar, informed the steps taken by the Government in the form of various scheme for the financial support & educational support to seafarers and their families during Covid, various e- initiatives for making the seafarers employability intact. He mentioned that the seafarers will be provided all the support in getting complete doses of Covid vaccination in time. He expressed that there is need for taking up the issues bilaterally and multilaterally for opening up of the borders for the seafarers and providing them all the minimum basic requirements during their employment.

Member Secretary, NMCDC(Central) Committee Dr. Pandurang Raut, presented the vote of thanks and the programme concluded with the National Anthem.   

 

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