Thursday September 26, 2002
"South Africa Joins The World In Celebrating World Maritime Day"
Dullah Omar, the National Minister of Transport calls upon South Africans to join the world community in celebrating the World Maritime Day on Thursday, 26 September 2002 at 9:00 at the National Maritime Museum, V & A Waterfront in Cape Town. This celebration aims to educate and to create awareness within the South African nation, in order to build a maritime nation. Currently, there is a lack of information around maritime matters in South Africa.
The South African Government as a member state of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is celebrating for the first time during the Maritime week, World Maritime Day. Every year, the IMO sets the World Maritime celebration around the last week of September. This World Maritime Day is, therefore, celebrated around the world, giving the international community and the shipping industry an opportunity to look at the future, to assess which areas offer the greatest opportunities for further advances in the cause of maritime security and pollution prevention.
This year's theme is 'Safer Shipping demands a Safety Culture', which is sets by the IMO every year for the week of celebration. In the wake of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, it became clear that the shipping industry needed a new, more stringent and more comprehensive set of measures to address the question of maritime security.
The World Maritime Day is seen as an opportunity to bring key maritime industry players, the historically disadvantaged communities and those living in areas far away from the sea together, in order to highlight prospects within the exciting field of transport. Careers and other opportunities will be highlighted during the event.
This year's event is aimed at setting the tone for next year's celebration, and the years to come. It is envisaged that a weeklong celebration will be possible from next year. All key maritime experts, namely: the South Africa Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), all Ports of SA; the Navy; the Fishing industry, the National Port Authority of South Africa, Ports Operations, et cetera, are encouraged to join forces to make this celebration a national pride.
"As the South African Government, we observe all IMO goals of 'Safer shipping and the protection of the marine environment'. Our maritime industry is always striving to create an environment, which is safe, efficient and internationally competitive", says Minister Omar.
Issued by: Innocent Mpe
Deputy Manager: Media Liaison
Tel: 012 309 3331
Cell: 082 908 0054
Fax: 012 309 3925
mpei@ndot.pwv.gov.za