The Business Bytes
Paradip, September 25, 2024 (TBB Bureau): The Paradip Port Authority (PPA) observed the 47th World Maritime Day on Wednesday, aligning with this year’s global theme, “Navigating the Future: Safety First!” The celebration emphasized the significance of safety in the maritime industry while highlighting the future of sustainable and secure maritime operations.
Unlike National Maritime Day, World Maritime Day is globally celebrated during the last week of September, with individual governments selecting the most appropriate date. This year, the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India, designated September 25th for the observance in India.
The day’s festivities commenced with a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Marine Site office, led by Capt. A.C. Sahoo, Deputy Conservator of Paradip Port. Senior officials from various departments, including the Marine Department, along with students from the Orissa Maritime Academy, attended the event. The flag-raising was followed by an awareness rally in the Port Township, where students enthusiastically participated, promoting the significance of maritime safety.
Later in the evening, a seminar was held at the Officers’ Club, featuring insightful talks by two prominent figures in the maritime sector — MK Mohanta, Marine Engineer, and Capt. SS Misra, Pilot. The discussions revolved around the day’s theme, “Navigating the Future: Safety First!” Both speakers stressed the evolving challenges and innovations in ensuring safety within the maritime industry while exploring future advancements aimed at mitigating risks at sea.
World Maritime Day was first celebrated on March 17, 1978, to commemorate the enforcement of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) first convention in 1958. Since then, it has become an annual global event, with a spotlight on the importance of maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
