2024 World Maritime Day, Background , Theme and about IMO

On the last Thursday of September, World Maritime Day is observed worldwide by seafaring communities.

 In 2024, World Maritime Day will be observed on 26 September 2024. The day focuses on the importance of shipping lane safety, maritime security, and the marine environment, emphasising a particular aspect of the International Maritime Organisation's work.

However, India observes National Maritime Day, which is separate from World Maritime Day.

National Maritime Day 

In India, the National Maritime Day is observed on 5th of April. The National Maritime Day was first observed on 5 April 1964 to spread awareness and recognise the efforts and contribution of India's maritime sector in enhancing the country's economic growth and development.

The 2024 National Maritime Day theme was Navigating the Future: Safety First.

Background to the World Maritime Day 

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) organised the first World Maritime Day in 1978 to mark the 20th anniversary of the IMO Convention’s entry into force. 

Since then, it has been observed every year, usually on the last Thursday of September. The celebration is held at the IMO headquarters in London, United Kingdom, and since 2005, a member country of the IMO has hosted a parallel event. 

This year, the parallel event will be held in Spain from 20 to 22 October 2024.

Theme of the World Maritime Day 2024

The International Maritime Organisation chooses the theme of World Maritime Day to highlight an issue. This year, the IMO has chosen “Navigating the future: Safety First” as the theme of World Maritime Day.

The theme provides an opportunity for the world to work on enhancing the security of the shipping lanes. 

2024 also marks 50 years of the adoption of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea(SOLAS). SOLAS was adopted on 1 November 1974 and came into force on 25 May 1980. SOLAS is considered the pioneering international treaty concerning the safety of merchant ships.

This year's theme is also linked to the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030 and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. 

These include affordable and clean energy (SDG 7); industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9); climate action and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources (SDGs 13 and 14); and the importance of partnerships and implementation to achieve these goals (SDG 17).

About the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

The International Maritime Organisation was set up as an Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization by the United Nations and adopted the present name in 1982.

The IMO came into being in 1958 

The IMO's primary function is to promote the safety and security of international shipping lanes, prevent marine pollution caused by shipping activities, and contribute to combating climate change by promoting green shipping. 

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

Members: 176 countries 

Secretary General: Arsenio Domingue of Panama (2024-2028)