World Maritime Day 2021: Theme, History And Why UN Wants Seafarers Designated As ‘Key Workers’

World Maritime Day 2021: First observed in 1978, World Maritime Day was instituted by the United Nations, in association with the International Maritime Organisation 

Representational image (Source: Getty, UN)

World Maritime Day 2021: Global economy won’t be able to function if there is no international transportation of goods. And this is facilitated by the maritime industry. It is to appreciate the importance of this industry and acknowledge the contribution it makes towards the global economy that the World Maritime Day is observed every year across the world. 

First observed in 1978, World Maritime Day was instituted by the United Nations (UN), in association with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). It also marks the day of the adaptation of the IMO convention in 1958.

The IMO will light is headquarters blue on Thursday, and on every World Maritime Day henceforth, “as a symbolic initiative to unite the maritime community and raise awareness of the vital contribution of shipping to the world”.

It is a day that seeks to underline how important maritime security, maritime safety, maritime environment, and shipping is for the world.

The theme for World Maritime Day 2021 is “Seafarers: At the Core of Shipping’s Future”.

History Of World Maritime Day

It was on March 17, 1978 when World Maritime Day was first observed — to mark 20th anniversary of IMO. The organisation that started with 21 members in 1978 now have 167 members, including all major nations involved in maritime industry.

The observance day was later changed to the last Thursday of September every year.

World Maritime Day Theme

According to the UN, this year’s theme, ‘Seafarers: At the Core of Shipping’s Future, reflects a clear need to raise awareness towards seafarersʹ crucial role in world trade and increase their visibility. 

“As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the crew change crisis in 2020 has highlighted seafarersʹ exceptional contribution as key and essential workers on the front line of delivering vital goods through a pandemic and in ordinary times,” it said. 

The shipping services and seafarers ensured the functioning of the global supply chains during the pandemic, and this could not happen “without the professionalism and dedication of the world’s seafarers”, the UN said.

The theme is also linked to the US Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to education and training, innovation and industry, gender equality, and efforts towards promoting seafaring as a career for all, including women.

The UN said the 2021 theme will focus on seafarers as the people at the heart of shipping, and also the future of seafaring amid increased digitisation and automation. 

In his message for the day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: “I renew my appeal to Governments to address their plight by formally designating seafarers and other marine personnel as ‘key workers’, ensuring safe crew changes, implementing established protocols, and allowing stranded seafarers to be repatriated and others to join ships.”

IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said more governments should “step up” and designate seafarers as “key workers”, highlighting that only around 50 IMO Member States have done so until now. 

In the United Nations General Assembly Resolution adopted in December 2020, it was outlined that all countries should designate seafarers as ‘key workers’.

“Key worker designation is crucial to ensure prioritization for (Covid-19) vaccination,” Lim said.

Maritime Day In India

India also celebrates its own National Maritime Day on April 5 every year to spread awareness about intercontinental commerce and economy. It marked the 58th National Maritime Day this year.  

The first celebration took place in 1964.

India became a member of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 1959. 

On National Maritime Day, an award ceremony is organised by the country to recognise the contribution made by members of the Indian maritime industry.

Paradip Port observes World Maritime Day

The day is celebrated for carrying out commercial sea transport in a safe, secured, and environmentally friendly manner for the economic growth of the world

Read: https://t.co/092TdB1ZBZ pic.twitter.com/kG80zm75OL

— PIB India (@PIB_India) September 28, 2021