Mumbai, 25 September 2024

 

World Maritime Day 2024 was celebrated on 24^th September 2024, with a large gathering of stakeholders from the maritime industry, government officials, seafarers, and their families. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has selected the theme ‘Navigating the Future: Safety First’ for this year’s event.

In a video message, Union Cabinet Minister of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighted that 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, a key IMO treaty regulating maritime safety. He explained that ongoing developments in the maritime sector are revolutionizing the introduction of new technologies, which will enhance safety, security, and efficiency, optimize performance, reduce environmental impact, and ensure sustainability worldwide. He also noted that India is proactively adapting its legal framework to accommodate these new technologies and innovations, strengthen maritime and port operations, and guide the sector towards a sustainable future.

As part of the celebration, Director of Maritime Education & Training at the Foreign Owners Representatives and Ship Managers Association (FOSMA), Mr. Mahesh Yadav, chaired a panel discussion on this year’s theme. The discussion featured eminent panelists including Capt. Anish Joseph, Deputy Nautical Advisor at DG Shipping; Capt. Abhijith Balakrishnan, DPA at Scorpio Marine Management; Capt. Ms. Pratigya Arora, Master Mariner on Bulk Carriers at SCI; and Mr. Vivek Mahadev Lakhwani, Second Engineer.

In his address, Director General of Shipping and Chairman of the NMDC Central Committee Shri Shyam Jagannathan, highlighted the importance of World Maritime Day and emphasized the need for prioritizing safety in the complex global landscape. He detailed how the government is positioning India as a global leader by updating maritime laws, creating roadmaps like Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kal Vision 2047, and transitioning the DG Shipping from a regulatory role to a facilitator as Maritime Administration. He outlined DG Shipping’s initiatives to enhance occupational health, safety, security, contingency preparedness, and disaster management. He also discussed initiatives such as Sagar Mey Yog and Sagar Mey Samman, the comprehensive revision of STCW, the establishment of the Bureau of Port Security, market-based measures, and efforts towards zero carbon emissions.

Chairman and Managing Director of the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. and Vice-Chairman of the NMDC (Central) Committee, Capt. B. K. Tyagi, welcomed all dignitaries to the program. He provided an overview of the background and significance of World Maritime Day, emphasizing its importance in the evolving global context and its alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals

A video message from Secretary General of the IMO Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, was displayed. In his message, he highlighted the crucial role of the SOLAS convention in maintaining ship construction, equipment, and operations to prevent maritime disasters and protect lives. He called for collective efforts to ensure the ongoing transformation in shipping and urged everyone to prioritize safety as we navigate towards the future.

 

 

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PIB Mumbai | DL/ DR

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