World Maritime Day 2015

Every year, IMO (International Maritime Organization) celebrates 'World Maritime Day', which is used to focus on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment and to emphasize a particular aspect of IMO's work. Each 'World Maritime Day' has its own theme, which is reflected in IMO's work throughout the year in question. 'World Maritime Day' is celebrated in the last week of September each year, although the exact date is up to individual governments around the world. This year's theme is training and education.

The importance of this marking is well said by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

"At a time when the world is beset by conflict and crisis, it is easy to forget that, day in and day out, the international shipping industry works quietly and efficiently to keep the wheels of global trade in motion and ensure the timely delivery of the goods and commodities ... On World Maritime Day, let us recall the often unheralded but always vital contribution by international shipping to peoples and communities all over the world."