World Maritime Day

Tags: Important Days

Every year, on 24 September, World Maritime Day is observed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other international organizations.

Important facts

• World Maritime Day was first observed in March 1978. At that time it was celebrated to mark the IMO Convention.

• The IMO Convention was adopted in 1948 at the International Conference held in Geneva.

• Earlier the IMO was called the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization.

Significance of the day

• About 80 percent of the world's trade takes place through the sea.

• It provides low-cost transportation of goods and is thus vital for promoting sustainable maritime development.

• India celebrates its Maritime Day on 5th April. It was celebrated for the first time in 1964.

• The Indo-Pacific Initiative is India's current maritime initiative. The initiative is supported by Australia, Japan and Thailand.