India Celebrates 61st National Maritime Day, Ensuring Safety And Security In The Region

Every April 5, India celebrates National Maritime Day to honour the country’s rich maritime heritage and acknowledge the naval sector’s vital role in international trade and economic growth.

This year marks the nation’s 61st National Maritime Day. The significance of National Maritime Day is firmly established in India’s maritime history.

On April 5, 1919, the Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd’s inaugural vessel, SS Loyalty, set sail from Mumbai to London, marking a watershed moment in India’s maritime history.

This momentous event, engineered by visionary industrialist Seth Walchand Hirachand, represented India’s entry into the global shipping arena and challenged the dominance of British-controlled marine routes.

India officially declared April 5 National Maritime Day in 1964, and the practice has continued yearly. This day recognises the maritime sector’s contributions to the country’s economic growth, cultural exchange, and GDP.

It also raises awareness of the industry’s issues, including piracy, environmental damage, and transforming trade patterns.

During the National Marine Day celebrations, the Directorate General of Shipping, part of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, bestows the renowned NMD Award of Excellence to top officials for their remarkable contributions to the marine sector’s development.

“#Navigating the future: #SafetyFirst”

On this #NationalMaritimeDay 2024, #IndianNavy remains steadfast towards ensuring #MaritimeSecurity; safeguarding our #Maritime boundaries; 🫡ing the invaluable role of all #Seafarers navigating the seas, driving our nation’s 🇮🇳 #trade and… pic.twitter.com/6seFmYGMtl

— IN (@IndiannavyMedia) April 5, 2024

Video Credits: Indian Navy/Twitter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was just awarded the ‘Merchant Navy Flag’ on March 29, before the week-long celebrations beginning April 5.

The celebrations occur across the country’s central and minor ports, including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Kandla, and Visakhapatnam, as well as intermediary, minor, and inland water ports in various states and Union Territories.

These events provide an opportunity to remember the marine industry’s accomplishments and remember the brave mariners who have served the nation with the utmost dedication.

Under the Maritime India Vision 2030, India intends to build itself as a leading maritime nation by setting world-class naval education, research, and training standards.

India is committed to improving its seafarers’ welfare and job possibilities, having signed international conventions such as the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

The Maritime Vision 2030 similarly sets ambitious targets, intending to boost the share of Indian sailors in international seafaring occupations from 12% to 20% by 2030.

Over the last decade, the number of active Indian seafarers has increased by 140%, demonstrating the industry’s expansion and India’s growing maritime expertise.

This year’s National Maritime Day 2024 theme is “Navigating the Future: Safety First!”.

Reference: Business Standard, ETV Bharat

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