During the last week of September the International Maritime Organization (IMO) celebrates World Maritime Day in London with parallel events being hosted by various countries across the globe.

South Africa hosts its event on Thursday 25 September under the theme: ” IMO conventions: effective implementation” at Club Mykonos Resort, Athene Conference, Langebaan (for Port of Saldanha, Saldahna) in the Western Cape.

Transport Minister, Dipuo Peters, will give a keynote address during the celebrations, and will be joined by Western Cape MEC for Transport Donald Grant, maritime industry CEOs and captains and senior national and provincial government officials.

In the Western Cape, the event will also be attended by school children from previously disadvantaged communities who will display their knowledge of the maritime sector through educational displays and exhibitions. The day will also be used as a platform to create more awareness about careers in the maritime industry.

Key maritime stakeholders such as the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), Grinrod Shipping Company, Smit Amandla and the Western Cape Province will hold exhibitions and maritime experts will engage with and educate the learners about the details and activities of the industry including vocational experience.