26 September 2024 marks this year’s World Maritime Day, with a theme of ‘Navigating the future: safety first!’.  

Taking place annually, World Maritime Day shines a spotlight on shipping safety, security and the marine environment whilst focusing on certain aspects of International Maritime Organization (IMO) work.  

The theme chosen this year looks at safety regulatory implications, safety in the face of innovation, and new maritime technologies.

In addition, 2024 is a special year as it marks 50 years since the signing of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS); an important fifteen-chapter treaty around the safety of merchant ships.  

Shipping Minister Mike Kane MP has written to Secretary-General Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco to congratulate the IMO on World Maritime Day.  

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will be flying the Red Ensign and the IMO’s flag outside its headquarters in honour of the day too.

Moreover, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has underlined its commitment and ambition to be a world leader in seafarer safety and environmental protection through longstanding collaboration with maritime partners and support for the industry and next generation of seafarers and maritime experts.

Throughout 2024, a number of legislative enhancements have been introduced in the UK with a focus on saving lives at sea, protecting marine environments and anticipating technological change; aligning with the theme of this year’s World Maritime Day.

Read the press release on GOV.UK and find out what Maritime Minister, Mike Kane MP and Virginia McVea, Chief Executive of the MCA said.