World Maritime Day is observed on the last week of September every year to focus on the importance of safety, security for boats and ships, and the marine environment. This year in 2020, World Maritime Day falls on 24 September. This day is celebrated in several countries throughout the world including Australia, Canada, UK, and the United States.
History of World Maritime Day
World Maritime Day was initiated by the United Nations (UN), through the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Earlier the name of IMO was Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO) and it was changed to IMO in 1982. It is responsible to regulate shipping. International Maritime Organization (IMO) formed on 17 March 1948 and Its headquarters are in London, United Kingdom. The day was first observed on 17 March 1978. It acknowledges the importance of the maritime industry and highlights the importance of safety, security for boats and ships, and the marine environment.
World Maritime theme 2019
The World Maritime Day theme for the year was “Empowering Women in the Maritime Community”. The theme provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of gender equality and the contribution of women within the maritime sector.
World Maritime theme 2020
”Sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet” is the World Maritime theme for 2020. As part of the United Nations family, IMO is actively working towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the associated SDGs.
World Maritime Quotes
“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don’t have that problem.”
“You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.”
“I am convinced that there is no smarter, handier, or more adaptable body of troops in the world.”
“A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.”
“Life’s roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors.”
“A ship in port is safe. But that’s what not ships are built for.”
“A lot of people attack the sea, I make love to it”
“You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”
“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor”
“I must be a mermaid, Rango. I have no fear of depths and a great fear of shallow living.”