Pratik Bijlani –
On 24th September 2024, the Director General of Shipping (DGS) and the National Maritime Day Celebration (NMDC) Committee commemorated World Maritime Day at the Maritime Training Institute (MTI) in Powai, Mumbai. This globally significant event, organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), shines a spotlight on the maritime industry’s vital role in global trade and development. This year’s theme, “Navigating the Future: Safety First,” emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety and security of seafarers in an evolving industry, while embracing new technologies and adapting to emerging challenges.
The event was attended by distinguished leaders from the maritime sector, including Capt. Tushar Pradhan, Secretary General, MUI; Capt Philip Matthews, Director, SIMTF; Capt. M.P.Bhasin, Chairman, CMMI; Mr. Arun Kumar Gupta, Chairman, IMEI Mumbai Branch; Capt. M.C.Yadav, Director, FOSMA; Mr. David Birwadkar, Vice-President, Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd.; Capt. Rajesh Tandon, CEO, FOSMA; Mr. S.M.Rai, Ex Chairman, IMEI Mumbai Branch; Shri Shyam Jaggannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping; Capt. B.K. Tyagi, CMD, SCI and Mr. Atul Ubale, Director (Bulk Carriers & Tankers), SCI among others. The ceremony began with a welcome speech by Mr. David Birwadkar, Vice-President of Great Eastern Shipping, who introduced the theme and set the tone for a day focused on safety in maritime practices.
In his inaugural address, Capt. B.K. Tyagi spoke about the evolving landscape of the maritime industry and the importance of prioritizing safety in the face of rapid technological advancements. He remarked, “The theme, Navigating the Future, Safety First, promotes IMO’s ambitious and accelerated GHG reduction policy, which includes the assessment of safety risks that come with the introduction of new and adaptive technologies and alternative fuels. It calls upon us to embrace the future while ensuring that safety remains the top priority.” Capt. Tyagi highlighted that 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), a crucial treaty that continues to safeguard lives at sea and ensure the highest safety standards.
Further elevating the event was a video message from Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways. He stressed the alignment of India’s maritime vision with global goals for sustainable development and safety. “India’s Maritime Vision 2030 aims to achieve 40% energy from renewable sources by 2030, while supporting the IMO’s and UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Congratulations to the NMDC Committee for organizing this event and best wishes for its grand success,” he said.
The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by Capt. M.C. Yadav, Director of FOSMA, where key industry experts shared insights on seafarer safety. Capt. Abhijith Balakrishnan from Scorpio India presented a fresh perspective on safety management, emphasizing the importance of building trust between seafarers and the systems in place to ensure their well-being. The discussion underscored the need for transparent safety reporting mechanisms and a shift towards systemic improvements.
In his address, Chief Guest Shri Jagannathan underscored the importance of seafarer safety and the regulatory changes underway. He expressed his vision for the future of India’s maritime sector, stating, “The key here is change. For us, for the future, how do we transition to that future? All of us here represent our mighty nation’s maritime interests.” He emphasized India’s role in global maritime leadership and highlighted ongoing legislative reforms, including the Merchant Shipping Bill and the promotion of women in the maritime workforce.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks and a video presentation on the Government of India’s safety initiatives, including the Swachh Sagar Portal, aimed at addressing ocean pollution. World Maritime Day 2024 successfully brought together industry leaders to reaffirm their commitment to safety, sustainability, and the future of global maritime practices.
Marex Media