National Maritime Day & GMB Foundation

Every year India celebrates 5th of April as National Maritime Day to commemorate the maiden voyage of the first Indian Ship "S.S. Loyalty" of M/s Scindia Steam Navigation Co. Ltd. from Mumbai to London (United Kingdom) on 5th April, 1919.

Every year India celebrates 5th of April as National Maritime Day to commemorate the maiden voyage of the first Indian Ship "S.S. Loyalty" of M/s Scindia Steam Navigation Co. Ltd. from Mumbai to London (United Kingdom) on 5th April, 1919. The National Maritime Day was first celebrated on 5th April, 1964. It is on this day that the country renews its abiding faith in the importance of maritime zones as well as sea routes for an all-round development of the Nation. The country also resolves to protect, preserve and defend its maritime zones and right to navigate in the high seas and international zones. The celebrations continue for one week known as National Maritime Week which culminates with the celebrations on 5th April.

We live in a global society which is supported by global economy – and this global economy simply cannot function if it were not for ships and the shipping industry. However, of all the sectors that make up the global transport infrastructure, shipping probably has the lowest public profile and the least representative public image.

The prime objective of celebrating the National Maritime Day is to draw the attention of the society towards the vital role essayed by this sector in supporting international commerce and the world economy as the most efficient, safe and environmentally friendly mode of transporting goods across the world.

Shipping has been called as 'Silent Service' since most of the shipping activity takes place away from the land and along the country's sea borders, i.e. at the ports. In the vast sub-continent of India, the public at large has very limited opportunities to observe for themselves the yeoman services rendered by people in the maritime profession for the promotion of the economic well being of the country.

The observance of the National Maritime Day therefore serves in bringing the people closer to the shipping industry and enabling them to participate in the celebrations and to share in the sense of pride and achievement at the rapid strides made by the Indian Maritime Sector.

The observance of the National Maritime Day therefore serves in bringing the people closer to the shipping industry and enabling them to participate in the celebrations and to share in the sense of pride and achievement at the rapid strides made by the Indian Maritime Sector.

National Maritime Day Celebrations begin with the inauguration of Merchant Navy Week. On Merchant Navy Flag Day at New Delhi, 1st Merchant Navy Flag is pinned on the wearing apparel of the Prime Minister of India by the Minister for Shipping. This practice has been prevalent from 2002 onwards. At the State level, on Merchant Navy Flag Day the first Miniature Merchant Navy Flag is pinned on the wearing apparel of the Governor of Maharashtra by the Director General of Shipping in Mumbai.

National Maritime Day celebrations are held at all major ports of the nation. Even the non-major ports of Gujarat partake in these celebrations. This year 48th National Maritime Day is being celebrated on Tuesday, the 5th April, 2011.

National Maritime is also of great importance for Gujarat Maritime Board. For, it is on this day that GMB celebrates its foundation day as the Board was constituted on 5th April, 1982. This year Gujarat Maritime Board is celebrating its 30th Foundation Day. Right from its inception GMB celebrates the day in a large canvas and scale. GMB arranges extracurricular activities for employees by organizing Indoor and Outdoor games amongst various ports teams and prizes are distributed to the winning teams and champions on this day. Gujarat Maritime Board administered ports sector of Gujarat has grown by leaps and bounds from its day of inception.

Gujarat Maritime Board congratulates all the people associated with this sector for the celebration of National Maritime Day.