World Maritime Day 2024 will be observed tomorrow with the theme “Navigating the future: safety first!” This theme reflects the International Maritime Organisation’s commitment to enhancing maritime safety and security while protecting the marine environment. It emphasizes the importance of adapting regulatory processes to keep pace with rapid technological advancements and innovations.
According to the IMO, this year’s theme aims to focus globally on the various safety regulations that arise from new technologies and the adoption of alternative fuels. It also seeks to address measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships, as the IMO works to maintain and potentially improve the safety and efficiency of shipping, ensuring a smooth and effective flow of international maritime trade.
The IMO, a United Nations agency established in 1948, is responsible for overseeing global shipping policies, with safety at the core of its mission. The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, which is a pivotal treaty regulating maritime safety.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez highlighted the significant role the SOLAS Convention has played in establishing international safety standards for ship construction, equipment, and operations, which have helped to prevent maritime disasters and save lives. He emphasized the need for collective action to keep pace with the ongoing transformations in the shipping industry.
In Fiji, to celebrate World Maritime Day 2024, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji has launched an essay contest for high school students in Years 9-13. The winners will be announced during the celebrations in Suva on Friday.