Celebrations of International Day of the Seafarer

’13^th Day of the Seafarer’ and Diamond Jubilee celebration of NMDC was celebrated  in the presence of Shri Shripad Naik, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Tourism, on 25^th June. Function was held under the aegis of the Directorate General of Shipping, by the National Maritime Celebration Central Committee at the Shipping Corporation Of India, Shipping House, Mumbai.

The theme adopted for this year’s celebration by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was ‘MARPOL at 50 – Our Commitment goes on’ with campaign hash-tag as ‘Oceans Worth Protecting’.

Hon’ble Minister Shri Shripad Naik, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion congratulated all stakeholders of the maritime fraternity and bestowed his blessings to Indian seafarers, their families and all the stakeholders. He mentioned that seafarers are spending a great deal of time at sea working under very hostile environment requiring courage and devotion to the duty. They are a big part of the solution when it comes to protecting the marine environment.

Mr Atul Ubale, Director (B&T) SCI and Chairman of the Organising Committee extended a warm welcome to the invitees and the seafarers attending the function. A video message from Mr Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of IMO was projected on the occasion. In his message he asserted that “Seafarers’ voices and actions are key to the current issue of ensuring a just transition to a zero-carbon future’. Our cabinet minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowalji, Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways & Ayush in his message appreciated and recognized the great contributions of Indian seafarers. He mentioned that under the guidance and vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, various preventive steps have been taken by the Government of India to check marine pollution.

Director General of Shipping Shri Raiv Jalota in his keynote address mentioned that in addition to environment protection and safety aspects, Gender Sensitization and Gender equality is a prime objective in Indian Maritime. He gave the detailed account of various schemes of Government of India for the overall development of the seafarers and maritime industry.

A souvenir and Diamond Jubilee Coffee table book, depicting Indian Maritime history and covering details of the maritime industry was also released by the hon’ble minister on the occasion to commemorate 60th year of NMDC.

Seafarers also presented some very entertaining cultural activities during the programme to showcase their hidden talent. Around 20 meritorious cadets/candidates were felicitated for their meritorious Competence during the function by the DGS. Further, cash prizes to meritorious women cadets were given by MASSA.

This event was attended by the officers and staff from Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, DG Shipping, SCI, Indian Register of Shipping, Industry representatives, Cadets, Maritime Training Institutes, RPSL, MTOs and Unions in Maritime field from India and abroad in large numbers

Dr. Raut Pandurang, Member Secretary, NMDC (Central) Committee delivered vote of thanks. 

Source: The Institute of Marine Engineers (India) Mumbai Branch.