The National Maritime Day(NMD) is annually observed across India on 5th April, to create awareness about intercontinental commerce and the economy. 2021 marks the celebration of the 58th Edition of the National Maritime Day.
The first edition of the National Maritime Day was observed on 5th April 1964.
The theme of National Maritime Day 2021 is ‘Sustainable Shipping beyond COVID-19’.
The events for the Celebration of the National Maritime Day or Merchant Navy Flag Day are organised and co-coordinated by the National Maritime Day Celebrations Committee (NMDC).
Objective:
- To extend support to the global economy.
- To support the organised, safe and sound environmentally responsive approach of transporting goods from one part of the world to another.
Why 5th April?
The 5th April 1919 marked the beginning of Indian Shipping when SS Loyalty, the first ship of The Scindia Steam Navigation Company Limited sailed from Mumbai, India to London, United Kingdom.
Significance of Indian Maritime:
India became a member of the International Maritime Organisation(IMO) in 1959. IMO is a specialised agency of the United Nations(UN) responsible for regulating shipping.
Bhagat Singh Koshyari inaugurated Merchant Navy Week:
i.On 31st March 2021, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Governor of Maharashtra inaugurated the Merchant Navy Week 31st March 2021 to 5th April 2021 at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
ii.The delegation of the NMDC headed by Amitabh Kumar, Director General of Shipping and Chairman NMDC (Central) Committee visited the Governor of Maharashtra for the flag pinning ceremony.
iii.Amitabh Kumar felicitated Bhagat Singh Koshyari with the first miniature flag.
About Directorate General of Shipping:
Director General of Shipping– Amitabh Kumar
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
