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International days are marked to educate the public on issues of concern, to address global problems and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. Each international day provides the community an opportunity to organize activities related to the theme and to create public awareness on the same. Organizations, governments, public and private sectors, schools, universities and citizens make international day a springboard for awareness raising actions. In this article let us check on World Maritime Day 2025 -Theme, Activities, Quotes and Quiz. The observation of maritime day aims to raise awareness about ensuring shipping safety, and emphasizing on maritime security and the protection of marine environment.
World Maritime Day 2025 Date – 25 September (Last Thursday of September)
In this article readers can get a glimpse on
- About IMO – International Maritime organization
- World maritime day 2025 Theme
- World Maritime day quotes
- Activities that can be observed on World Maritime day
- World Maritime day Quiz
About IMO – International Maritime Organisation
1: Who was the first woman President of India?
IMO, the International Maritime Organization, is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. IMO aims at promoting safety and security through environmentally sound and sustainable shipping.
The theme for World Maritime Day 2025 is “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.”
This theme highlights the crucial role of the world’s oceans in the global economy and environment. It recognizes that over 80% of global trade is transported by sea, making the oceans vital for jobs, food, and climate regulation.
The theme is broken down into three key ideas:
- Our Ocean: This part acknowledges the immense value of the ocean as a resource and a shared heritage. It’s the lifeblood of global trade and a home for countless marine species.
- Our Obligation: This emphasizes the collective duty of the shipping industry and all related stakeholders to protect the marine environment. It points to the need for sustainable practices and adherence to international regulations to ensure cleaner, safer seas.
- Our Opportunity: This highlights the chance to innovate and lead in ocean protection. It’s a call for collaboration and new solutions to address challenges like plastic pollution, climate change, and the conservation of marine biodiversity. The theme encourages all to see ocean stewardship not just as a duty, but as a chance to build a more sustainable future.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) selected this theme to underscore the deep connection between shipping and the ongoing global efforts to protect the ocean.
World Maritime Day Previous Themes
World Maritime Day, a United Nations international observance day, is held on the last Thursday of September each year. It is organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to highlight the importance of shipping safety, maritime security, and the marine environment. Each year, the IMO selects a specific theme to focus on a particular aspect of its work.
Here are the themes from recent years:
- 2015: “Maritime education and training”
- 2016: “Shipping: indispensable to the world”
- 2017: “Connecting Ships, Ports and People”
- 2018: “Our Heritage: Better Shipping for a Better Future”
- 2019: “Empowering Women in the Maritime Community”
- 2020: “Sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet”
- 2021: “Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future”
- 2022: “New technologies for greener shipping”
- 2023: “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on”
- 2024: “Navigating the future: safety first!”
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Start Learning!World Maritime Day Quotes 2025
- “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don’t have that problem.” -Ronald Reagan
- “I am convinced that there is no smarter, handier, or more adaptable body of troops in the world.” -Sir Winston Churchhill
- “Every Marine is, first and foremost, a rifleman. All other conditions are secondary.” -Gen. A. M. Gray
- “A Ship without Marines is like a garment without buttons.” -Adm. David Dixon Porter
- “A lot of people attack the sea, I make love to it.” -Jacques Yves Cousteau
- “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
- “The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible,but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.” – Vincent Van Gogh
- “I can’t control the wind but I can adjust the sail.” – Ricky Skaggs
- “Land was created to provide a place for boats to visit.” -Brooks Atkinson
- “Of all the things that man has made, no is so full of interest and charm, none possesses so distinct a life and character of its own, as a ship.”- Henry Van Dyke
World Maritime Day Activities
The sacrifices and the hardships of the seafarers and those on sea are often left unnoticed. Let us observe this day to encourage and support all the maritime workers across the world. few of the activities that can be conducted to observe World maritime day are listed below.
- Conduct activities at school to let the children be aware of the career options in maritime.
- Conduct Career fairs at colleges exclusively to promote the career options in maritime
- Conduct Awareness campaign at schools and colleges to let students know the importance the career in maritime field for every nation.
- For younger students schools can arrange a visit to a port nearby and help them learn more on the technical and mechanical aspect of the working of the ship
- Competitions can be conducted at school with a theme related to protecting the oceans and marine life thus putting light on the importance of sustainable life at oceans too
- Conduct surveys and find out the seafarers and maritime workers in your locality and send them an appreciation card online to appreciate their line of work at the sea
- Conduct a campaign to have a lets talk session with the fishermen of your town and understand the problems they face during monsoon and on how to do they cope up.
- Fundraising can be done to support the fishermen during monsoon and storm season or during off season when they struggle with life as they are unable to return to work.
- Campaign can also be conducted to meet the seafarers who work towards protecting the nation thus understanding the value of every profession .
- Conduct quiz at schools thus educating the students on the discovery of lands via oceans, the history of seafarers across times, the geography locations of various ports across the world, The information regarding shipping and overseas trading. This way we can educate the students on the areas related to maritime as we observe this day
World Maritime Day Quiz 2025
1. What percentage of global trade is carried by sea?
A) 60%
B) 70%
C) 80%
B) New York
C) London
3. How many member states does the International Maritime Organization have?
A) 120
B) 150
C) 174
A) 1948
B) 1952
C) 1960
5. What is the primary purpose of the IMO?
A) Regulate fishing activities
B) Promote maritime safety and prevent pollution
C) Encourage cruise tourism
A) SOLAS
B) MARPOL
C) UNCLOS
A) MARPOL
B) SOLAS
C) STCW
A) UNCLOS
B) MARPOL
C) STCW
A) Aviation
B) Shipping
C) Railways
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Start Learning!World Maritime Day Quiz 2025 PDF
World Maritime Day is more than just an observance; it is a reminder of how vital the maritime industry is to global trade and development. Nearly everything people use in daily life has been transported by sea at some stage. By focusing on maritime safety, environmental protection, and seafarers’ welfare, the day highlights the interconnectedness of nations and economies. It shows how shipping continues to be the lifeline of international commerce.
At the same time, the observance encourages greater responsibility towards oceans and marine ecosystems. It calls for sustainable practices, innovative technologies, and strong international cooperation to protect the seas. By honoring seafarers and promoting awareness, World Maritime Day ensures the shipping industry remains safe, efficient, and environmentally sound. It inspires collective action to secure a better future for global maritime transport.
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Start Learning!Frequently Asked Questions
What is World Maritime Day?
World Maritime Day is a global observance led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). It highlights the importance of shipping in world trade and the economy. The day also promotes awareness of maritime safety and marine environmental protection. It reminds us of the critical role seafarers and shipping play daily. The event is marked worldwide with activities, workshops, and campaigns.
When is World Maritime Day celebrated?
World Maritime Day is celebrated every year on the last Thursday of September. The date may vary each year but remains within that month. It was first celebrated in 1978 after the IMO was formed. The day emphasizes global cooperation in shipping safety and pollution prevention. It is officially observed by all IMO member states.
Why is World Maritime Day important?
The day underlines how shipping supports global trade and connects nations. About 80–90% of world trade is transported by sea. It raises awareness about seafarers’ contributions and maritime security. It also reminds governments of their duty to protect the marine environment. Celebrating the day fosters international collaboration on shipping challenges.
Who organizes World Maritime Day?
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations agency, organizes World Maritime Day. The IMO has 174 member states and works globally. It sets regulations to ensure maritime safety and environmental protection. Every year, IMO hosts events, seminars, and activities worldwide. Member states also hold their own celebrations in ports and institutions.
What does the IMO do?
The International Maritime Organization regulates global shipping. It creates conventions to ensure safety, security, and pollution prevention at sea. It develops training standards for seafarers to ensure competence. IMO also supports developing countries with maritime training and capacity building. Its goal is a safe, secure, and environmentally sound shipping industry.
How does shipping impact world trade?
Shipping is considered the backbone of global trade. Nearly 90% of goods are transported by sea. This includes food, energy, raw materials, and manufactured products. Without shipping, international trade and the global economy would collapse. World Maritime Day reminds us of this essential connection.
What conventions are linked with World Maritime Day?
Key IMO conventions are often highlighted on this day. SOLAS ensures safety of life at sea. MARPOL prevents pollution from ships. STCW sets training and certification standards for seafarers. Together, these conventions form the backbone of maritime regulations.
How does World Maritime Day promote environmental protection?
The day emphasizes reducing marine pollution from ships. It highlights measures against oil spills, air emissions, and waste disposal. The IMO develops rules like MARPOL to safeguard oceans. It also supports cleaner technologies and alternative fuels for ships. The celebration raises global awareness about protecting marine ecosystems.
How is World Maritime Day celebrated worldwide?
Countries hold events such as seminars, maritime exhibitions, and awareness campaigns. Ports and shipping companies organize safety drills and training. Schools and institutions host educational programs on maritime topics. Special ceremonies are held to honor seafarers’ contributions. The IMO also hosts a global event with international participation.
What role do seafarers play on World Maritime Day?
Seafarers are central to the celebration. They operate ships that carry most of the world’s goods. Their work ensures safe and timely delivery of essential supplies. The day acknowledges their sacrifices and challenges, including long months at sea. It reminds the world to respect and support seafarers’ welfare.
