National Maritime Day 2023: Date, History, Theme and Facts

National Maritime Day 2023: National Maritime Day is celebrated annually on April 5 in India. This year marks the 59th National Maritime Day celebration. National Maritime Day is observed annually to demonstrate support for intercontinental commerce and the global economy as the most well-organized, safe, and environmentally responsible method of transporting goods from one part of the world to another.

During the festivities on this day, the ‘NMD Award of Excellence’ is typically presented, along with a trophy and citation, to recognise and honour individuals for their lifetime achievements and performances in the Indian maritime sector at a senior level.

National Maritime Day’s theme is “Sustainable Shipping Beyond Covid-19.”

History of India’s National Maritime Day:

The first National Maritime Day was observed on April 5, 1964. The saga of Indian shipping began on April 5, 1919, when the first ship of The Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd, the SS Loyalty, sailed from Mumbai to the United Kingdom. (London). On this day, the “Varuna” award is presented to those who have made outstanding contributions to the Indian maritime industry.

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The Facts of National Maritime Day

• The first National Maritime Day was observed on April 5, 1964.
• On India’s National Maritime Day, individuals who have made significant contributions to the Indian maritime sector are honoured with awards. This honour is known as the Varuna Award, which consists of a statue of Lord Varuna and a Citation.
• The “NMD Award of Excellence” will also be presented during ceremonies that include a trophy and citation.
• As part of the “Outstanding Contribution to Maritime Education and Training” award, a trophy and citation will be given. It is awarded to recognise and honour individuals who have made significant contributions to maritime education and training.
• After attaining independence, the nation intends to increase shipping significantly. The United Kingdom proposed the International Maritime Organization for maritime defence and to prevent ship-related pollution in maritime history. In 1959, India joined this organisation as a partner.

Statutes Governing The Maritime Industry

The law must play its part in achieving the MIV 2030 objective. The government is aware of the significance of maritime law and its role in enhancing Indian maritime trade and the country’s standing in the international community. The following are the most significant legal developments in maritime law.

Arbitration in maritime law:

MIV 2030 recommends establishing an Indian Maritime Arbitration Association and defining arbitration procedures in accordance with the amended Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 2015, in order to make the arbitration process user-friendly, cost-effective, and time-efficient for all parties.

Admiralty jurisdiction law:

The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act of 2017 has been enacted by Congress. Prior to the passage of the present Act, the law of admiralty jurisdiction was governed by colonial statutes, including the Admiralty Court Act of 1861, the Colonial Courts of Admiralty (India) Act of 1891, and the Merchant Shipping Act of 1955. Admiralty jurisdiction resolved this issue by identifying which Indian courts would be deemed admiralty courts. In India, only seven high courts have been granted admiralty jurisdiction and accordingly exercise it. These are the supreme courts of Calcutta, Mumbai, Chennai, Karnataka, Gujarat, Orissa, and Hyderabad.

Public law:

This aspect of maritime law has also undergone significant development in India. The case Enrica Lexie (Italy v. India), which was argued before the Supreme Court of India, was submitted to the Permanent Court of Arbitration. (Case No. 2015-28). As a result of Italy’s violation of Articles 87 and 90 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the PCA allowed India to receive reparations from Italy.