Seafarers organizations in Pune to celebrate 62nd National Maritime Day
PUNE : Pune based seafarer organisations including Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI) , Institute of Marine Engineers India ( IMEI) and Indian Maritime Foundation ( IMF) along with Mahrashtra Master Mariners Association have organised a program to mark National Maritime Day on 5th April 2025 at PYC Gymkhana . Vice Admiral Vinod Pasricha, PVSM AVSM NM, IN (RETD) has consented to be the Chief Guest for the occasion. This information was given at a press conference by Capt Anand Dixit, President Indian Maritime Foundation, Sanjeev Ogle, Chairman, Institute of Marine Engineers India- IME(I), Capt. Milind Phadnis, President CMMI, Capt. Kiran Joshi, Secretary, CMMI.
The Pune event will be centred around the theme of IMO this year which is ‘Our ocean Our Obligation Our Opportunity’.
Senior most seafarers in Pune, Capt. Vijay Barve , CH Eng. Mr. R. D. Bhave , Capt. R Hajarnavis and Capt. Unmesh Abhyankar will be felicitated at the hands of the Chief Guest for their contribution to maritime affairs.
Oceans account for more than 80% world trade It is source for jobs and food for millions of people, and home for countless marine species, and regulator of world climate. The maritime industry plays a crucial role in India’s economy. With over 7,500 km of coastline and 12 major ports, India is a significant player in global shipping and logistics.
Capt. Anand Dixit, President IMF said that the theme reflects the crucial role of oceans in the economy and shipping has the biggest role to play in the conservation of marine environment and resources.
Sanjeev Ogale, Chairman, Institute of Marine Engineers India- IME(I), Pune said that Pune has a strong connect with maritime sector . There are three associations along with four training institutes and about 5000 seafarers in Pune with 1000 of them sailing currently in cargo and passenger ships.
Capt. Sudhir Subhedar, former President & CEO of Indian Coastal conference association and founder member President of CMMI Pune said that apart from port infrastructure, investments in shipbuilding and coastal shipping, sustainability initiatives will be crucial to conserve marine resources, mitigate climate crisis and enable a sustainable future for maritime sector.
Significance of NMD
5th April 1919 marks the day when SS Loyalty (ex 1890 RMS Empress of India ) belonging to Scindia Steam Navigation Ltd, promoted by Walchand Hirachand and Narottam Morarjee sailed from Bombay to UK with passengers. This venture was undertaken in face of hostile policies of the British Government which wanted to protect the business of British shipping.
Despite all odds Scindia Steam Navigation Ltd grew into a shipping company of international repute and gave the much needed impetus to Indian shipping which continued to grow for the next 70 years .
Time has come for the second revival which needs fresh investments, boost to ship building, lower logistics cost, efficient energy consumption and sustainable shipping policies including equitable sea bed / offshore exploration of resources.