61st National Maritime Day celebrated with full valour
DG Shipping under Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways hosts spectacular
Sports Day, celebrating National Maritime Day
The day is celebrated to commemorate embarkation of the first Indian-owned
vessel “SS Loyalty” on her maiden voyage from Mumbai to London, on this day in
1919
Sagar Samman Awards were also awarded, acknowledging exemplary contributions
within the maritime sector
The Ministry
of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), celebrated Sports Day event
commemorating the National Maritime Day. The Sports Day event was held at
Commonwealth Sports Stadium, Akshardham, New Delhi on April 5, 2024. The event
witnessed a jubilant gathering of maritime enthusiasts, professionals, and
dignitaries, marking a vibrant celebration of the maritime industry's legacy
and resilience.
The day is celebrated to commemorate embarkation of the
first Indian-owned vessel “SS Loyalty” on her maiden voyage from Mumbai to
London, on this day in 1919. SS Loyalty, a symbol of maritime prowess, not only
navigated through the high seas but also exemplified the spirit of unity and
fortitude that defines the maritime community.
This year's Sports Day event organised by DG Shipping
under MoPSW encapsulated the essence of camaraderie and athleticism, bringing
together participants from various sectors of the maritime industry. Attendees
indulged in a myriad of sporting activities, fostering team spirit, and
promoting a healthy lifestyle amidst the dynamic backdrop of maritime culture.
The event commenced with a ceremonial inauguration,
graced by esteemed personalities and industry leaders, who shared inspiring
anecdotes reflecting the maritime sector's rich heritage and promising future.
Participants then delved into an array of competitive sports, including
football, volleyball, discus throw, shot put, javelin throw, high/long jump,
relay race, 100 mtr/200mtr/400 mtr race echoing the adventurous spirit synonymous
with maritime endeavours.
Speaking at the event, TK Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW
appreciated the efforts for the unwavering dedication and contribution of the
maritime community towards global trade, economic prosperity, and environmental
stewardship. He reiterated the Ministry's commitment to fostering innovation,
sustainability, and inclusivity within the maritime sector, thereby ensuring
its continued growth and resilience in the face of evolving challenges.
It is noteworthy that the event commenced with the
pinning of the 'Merchant Navy Flag' on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's lapel on
March 29, 2024, by the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and
Waterways, in the presence of the Director General of Shipping and other senior
officials in New Delhi.
On National Maritime Day, various ports and maritime
organizations under MoPSW, commemorated the velour and dedication of seafarers,
exemplifying Maritime Excellence. While New Mangalore Port Authority observed
the 61st National Maritime Day with tributes paid at Seamen's Memorial and a
Sail Past by the Port flotilla, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata
celebrated the bravery of captains of NSD docked ships, highlighting their
fearless strides against the waves. Paradip Port Authority (PPA) marked the day
with Chairman lauding the indomitable spirit that propelled PPA to become the
No.1 Major Port.
VPA commemorated the day with various competitions
ofschool children on 'Sustainable Shipping: Challenges and Opportunities,'
emphasizing the significance of maritime sustainability. DPA Kandla hoisted the
Maritime Flag and held a sail past of Port Tugs, showcasing the collective
reverence for the maritime legacy. Shipping Corporation of India received
recognition as the Outstanding Indian Employer of Seafarers, underscoring its
commitment to maritime excellence. These celebrations underscored the vital
role of the maritime industry in advancing national prosperity and
sustainability.
On this day the prestigious Sagar Samman Awards were also
awarded, acknowledging exemplary contributions within the maritime sector.
1. Sagar SammanVaruna Award: Dhirendra Kumar Sanyal
Contribution: Highest honor for outstanding and sustained
contributions to the Indian maritime sector.
2. Sagar Samman Award for Excellence: Capt. Kamal Kant
Choudhury
Contribution: Recognizes consistently excellent
contributions to the maritime sector.
3. Sagar Samman Award for Gallantry: Capt. SubirSaha,
Capt. OM Dutta
Contribution: Honours acts of gallantry by Indian
seafarers, encouraging emulation of their exemplary conduct.
The National Maritime Day Celebrations (Central)
Committee Awards (NMDC Awards) for Outstanding Maritime Training Institutes and
Recognitions were also announced, recognizing institutions and employers for
their exceptional contributions to the maritime industry. In the category of
Pre-sea training institutes conducting courses for Officer Cadets (Nautical
& Engineering), Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy secured the 1st Rank,
followed by Tolani Maritime Institute, Talegaon, Pune in 2nd place, and The
Great Eastern Institutes of Marine Studies in 3rd place. For Post-sea training
institutes conducting Competency Courses, Hindustan Institute of Maritime
Training, Tidal Park, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai clinched the 1st Rank, with Hindustan
Institute of Maritime Training, Kilpauk, Chennai securing the 2nd Rank, and
FOSMA Maritime Institute and Research Organisations, Kolkata attaining the 3rd
Rank. The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) received recognition as an
Outstanding Indian Employer of Seafarers.
In the category of Outstanding Foreign Employers of
Indian Seafarers, BW Maritime Pvt Ltd. secured the 1st Rank for Shipboard
berths between 501 to 1000 GT, while Suntech Crew Management Pvt. Ltd achieved
the 2nd Rank. For Shipboard berths above 1000 GT, Synergy Maritime Pvt Ltd
emerged as the 1st Rank holder, followed by Anglo Eastern Ship Management Pvt
Ltd. in 2nd place, and MSC Crewing Services Private Limited in 3rd place. These
awards highlight the exemplary standards set by these institutions and
employers in the maritime training and employment sector, contributing
significantly to the industry's growth and excellence.
Over the last 9 years, the number of seafarers has
increased by 140%. In 2014, the total count of active Indian Seafarers was
117,090 which are 280,000 in 2023. Under the Maritime India Vision 2030, India
aspires to emerge as a premier seafaring nation by establishing world-class
standards in education, research, and training within the maritime sector.
India is a signatory to both the STCW Convention and the Maritime Labour
Convention (MLC). Indian seafarers occupy 12% of international seafaring jobs,
and the Maritime Vision 2030 recommends that this figure reach 20% by 2030.
