World Maritime Day 2017 – Connecting Ships, Ports and People

World Maritime Day is officially celebrated on the last Thursday in September every year and is recognised by the United Nations, through its agency, the International Maritime Organisation. The purpose of the day is to highlight the importance of shipping

The world relies on a safe, secure and efficient international shipping industry, which is an essential component of any programme for future sustainable green economic growth in a sustainable manner. – United Nations

The theme for World Maritime Day in 2017 is 'Connecting Ships, Ports and People', building on the previous year's theme of 'Shipping: indispensable to the world'.

Ultimately, more efficient shipping, working in partnership with a port sector supported by governments, will be a major driver towards global stability and sustainable development for the good of all people. – United Nations

It is this theme that is the subject of the official message by Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of the IMO, on World Maritime Day 2017.

International Day of the Seafarer – June 25

June 25 has been celebrated internationally as Day of the Seafarer, every year since it was first designated, in 2010, by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). It is even observed by the United Nations.

Day of the Seafarer recognises "the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole." It is estimated that shipping accounts for over 90% of the transport involved in the trading of good worldwide. In addition to acknowledging this contribution, Day of the Seafarer also serves to draw attention to the risks and personal costs to seafarers that their jobs entail.

The theme for 2017's celebration is Seafarers Matter. The IMO uses the day to call upon governments to develop policies for the fair treatment of seafarers at ports, while asking private ship companies and owners to provide their employees proper facilities and comforts while they are at sea.

Source material used in this post:

• Day of the Seafarer 2017 – International Maritime Organisation
• Day of the Seafarer – TimeandDate.com