Islamabad, 30th September 2021 (TDI): World Maritime Day is celebrated every year in the last week of September to draw the world’s attention to the maritime environment, maritime security, shipping security, and crucial role played by seaborne trade in the global economy. It was first celebrated by the International Maritime Organization on March 17, 1978.
This year, the theme of the day is “Seafarers at the core of shipping’s future”. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a crew change crisis because of border restrictions. Travel restrictions and shore leaves have added to the difficulties faced by seafarers. The purpose of this years theme is to pay tribute to seafarers who are at the heart of shipping. Moreover, to raise awareness regarding the sacrifices and hardships faced by the seafarers along with highlighting their crucial role in the world’s trade.
Pakistan Navy organized various activities to commemorate World Maritime Day 2021. This includes webinar at Pakistan Navy War College, maritime awareness lectures, harbor cleaning and essay competition at Filed Commands.
Sharing his remarks on this occasion, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, said Pakistan has immense maritime potential. The country has a coastal line of over 1000km and Exclusive Economic Zones. The maritime sector is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy as 95% of the country’s trade is seaborne. He further added China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has significantly increased maritime activities in the country. Yet, Pakistan still needs to fully tap the immense potential of this sector.
In his message, the Naval Chief also shed light on the difficulties faced by the seafarers. He stated thousand of seafarers are stranded on ships because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Moreover, they cannot join ships and earn a living. All this is culminating in the difficulties faced by sea fares in the ongoing pandemic.
The Naval Chief termed seafarers as ‘vital human workforce’. In his capacity as Chief Technical Advisor to the government on maritime affairs, Admiral Muhammad Amjad also suggested some measures to ease the sufferings of seafarers. This includes:
1- Designating then as ‘key workers’ to ensure their travel, to and from ships, without delays.
2- Enabling priority vaccination for them.
3-Celebrating World Seafarers Day on 25th June to recognize their contribution to the national economy.
The Naval Chief stated, Pakistan’s Navy is cognizant of the human resource driving the merchant fleets. In this regard, Pakistan Maritime Academy provides seafarers proper training and qualification to ensure their safety.
