It’s Maritime Week!

Each year the international maritime community celebrates World Maritime Day, on the last Thursday in September. Activities worldwide are guided by a theme, which is determined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) - the United Nations agency responsible for regulating, developing and adopting measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping. This year, World Maritime Day will be observed on September 27, under the theme 'IMO 70 - Our Heritage: Better Shipping for a Better Future.'

In Jamaica, the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), along with key partners such as the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), Port Authority of Jamaica, Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited, Kingston Wharves Limited and Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC Ja), to collaboratively hosted activities to celebrate. On Sunday, a church service was held at St Peter's Anglican Church in Port Royal. On Monday, a technology and innovation day was hosted at Jamaica College. Below is a list of the remainder of the week of activities - they are all open to the public.

Tuesday and Wednesday, September 25-26

Two-day exhibition 10 a.m.

- Caribbean Maritime University, Palisadoes Park

For future students to explore career options in maritime, logistics, engineering and related areas.

Booth displays, campus tours, competitions, harbour tours. Four competitions: Song/Band competition; drill competition; ship model competition; debate competition.

Maritime Industry partners, corporate and government agencies man booth, complete with giveaways.

Thursday, September 27

- Stellar Events

- Official launch of SeaPerch Underwater Robotics project 10 a.m.

- A project of the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean

- Caribbean Maritime University, Palisadoes Park

SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics programme that equips teachers and students with the resources they need to build an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in an in-school or out-of-school setting. Given WiMAC's mandate to promote awareness of maritime careers, WiMAC saw the potential of the SeaPerch programme and the impact it can have on at-risk youth, as well as its ability to present the learning of STEM subjects in a fun-filled and competitive environment, and its potential as a strategy for engendering interest in maritime careers".

- Balloon Release - 12:30 p.m. (immediately following the SeaPerch launch).

- Caribbean Maritime University, Palisadoes Park

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the International Maritime Organization. With its more than 50 international conventions, the IMO has developed and adapted while retaining overall mission to promote safe, secure, environ-mentally sound, efficient and sustainable shipping.

Jamaica is a member of the IMO Council and has derived great economic benefit as a member state.

As we observe Maritime Awareness Week, the impetus is to generate awareness for this vital sector and encourage attention to the imperatives that are needed to sustain and facilitate its growth and advancement.