The Chandigarh Chapters of the Institute of Marine Engineers India (IMEI) and the Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI), together with the Merchant Navy Officers’ Association (MNOA), commemorated World Maritime Day (WMD) 2025 on 26 September at Hotel Chandigarh Beckons. Guided by the International Maritime Organization’s theme— Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity—the seminar convened 40 maritime professionals, leaders, and academics to deliberate on sustainability, innovation, and the future of seafaring.
Captain Amarjit Thakur, Chairman of CMMI-Chandigarh, steered the proceedings with engaging commentary, setting the tone for a day of reflection and forward-looking dialogue.
Er Ajit Singh, Vice President of MNOA-Chandigarh, traced the arc of maritime history—from reed boats on the Nile to today’s mega-container ships. He reminded participants that control of the seas has always meant control of trade, security, and power. Drawing on the Roman concept of Mare Nostrum (“Our Sea”), he underscored the ocean’s enduring centrality to human progress. Er Singh also highlighted the IMO’s establishment of World Maritime Day in 1978 as a platform to emphasize shipping’s role in global cooperation, safety, and environmental stewardship.
Organizational Psychologist Mrs Anuradha Singh called on Indian seafarers to embrace their role as frontline protectors of the marine environment. She emphasized cultivating officer-like qualities—intelligence, organizational ability, clarity of expression, and reasoning—as essential tools in tackling climate change. “Oceans have always tested sailors,” she said. “Today, the test is climate change—and Indian seafarers can lead by example.”
Prof Jasjeet Suri a motivational speaker and faculty member at Chitkara University’s School of Maritime Studies introduced his EPIC framework—Empower, Protect, Innovate, Collaborate—as a blueprint for sustainable maritime leadership.
- Empower: Strengthen seafarers through education, digital tools, and mentorship
- Protect: Safeguard marine ecosystems from pollution and overuse
- Innovate: Harness renewable energy and efficient shipping technologies
- Collaborate: Forge partnerships across governments, industry, and academia
He concluded that the EPIC mindset can transform obligations into opportunities, ensuring oceans remain a source of life and livelihood.
Captain Rohit Shridhar, accredited SIRE inspector, outlined updates under SIRE 2.0, stressing the integration of Human Factors and the management of “Performance Influencing Factors” to reduce accidents and strengthen compliance.
Dr Deepanjali Sharda, DG Shipping–approved examiner, spotlighted rising lifestyle diseases among young seafarers. She urged preventive care through simple habits—fresh food, exercise, and avoiding smoking—likening health to “preventing mutiny within one’s organs.”
Captain Jagdeep Kahlon, MD of Ocean One Ship Management, emphasized the human element as central to maritime operations. He pointed to officer shortages, mental health concerns, and geopolitical disruptions, while urging investment in digitalization, automation, and green fuels. With proper upskilling, he argued, Indian seafarers can position the nation as a global talent hub.
Chief Guest Rear Admiral Sandeep Beecha (Retd) highlighted the Indian Ocean’s evolution from trade corridor to strategic backbone for security and diplomacy. He noted India’s participation in over 30 naval exercises and stressed the importance of partnerships across its vast maritime neighbourhood—from Sri Lanka and Maldives to Mauritius and Madagascar. Investments in shipbuilding, defence production, and strategic autonomy, he said, will reinforce India’s maritime leadership.
Veteran Chief Engineer, Arun Agarwal delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the speakers and participants before the seminar concluded with high tea and networking.
The Chandigarh celebration of World Maritime Day 2025 reinforced a clear message: the ocean is both lifeline and responsibility. From climate action and seafarer health to digitalization and strategic security, the discussions underscored that India’s maritime community is poised to transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.
Marex Media