The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has revealed plans for a week-long celebration of World International Maritime Day.
The transport ministry stated that a programme is scheduled to begin on October 8 at the Male' North Harbour. The programme aims to focus on ensuring the safety and security compliance of cargo vessels arriving at the North Harbor. Valuable information related to the Regulation Relating to the Loading and Carriage of Goods for Seagoing Vessels, effective since May 19, will be shared with vessel owners and captains.
It includes the mandatory provision of a loading certificate, with sample books to be issued to vessels. Responsibilities and informational requirements for vessel owners will be outlined, along with discussions on the role of insurance in safeguarding loaded goods and vessels, led by Amana Takaful Maldives. In addition, safety briefings will be conducted by officials from the transport ministry at the North Harbour. Furthermore, vessels operating in the Greater Male' Region must adhere to Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention, with clear guidance on the obligations of oil tankers.
To conclude the maritime week, a cleanup programme is also scheduled for October 14 in the North Harbor and Hulhumale' Harbor area. The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard, Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Amana Takaful Maldives, the National Boating Association (NBA), Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), and the transport ministry.
World Maritime Day is celebrated on September 28 every year. The theme for this year is MARPOL at 50 – Our Commitment Goes On, which was chosen by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The main objective of the celebration is to acknowledge the contributions of those within the maritime industry and foster increased interest in the field.