World Maritime Day was established in 1978 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). It is celebrated by tradition in the last September week. Moreover, each individual state, within the framework of this week, is free to independently set the day of celebration. In Russia, World Sea Day is celebrated on September 27.
Members of the International Maritime Organization believe that this holiday should focus on protecting the natural resources of the sea, ensuring the safety of shipping and navigation. Each year, a report is prepared by the general secretary of the maritime organization and a speech is held in connection with the holiday on various topics - for example, "60 years of IMO", "Global Warming" and others.
In the capital of Great Britain in 1959, an inaugural meeting of the International Maritime Organization was organized. This specialized UN agency deals with the practical implementation of important aspects of efficient and safe shipping, monitors pollution control and waste dumping from ships.
Shipping is one of the world's industries whose activities are as international as possible. Very often, one ship is served by a crew of different states and nationalities, and regular passage of ships through the sea territories of different countries is carried out. In addition, shipping is an activity that is always associated with serious danger. Sea open spaces conceal a considerable number of risks associated with unpredictability and the huge power of the water element. This suggests the need to approve a clear regulatory framework of requirements adopted at the international level to regulate the rules and norms for the use of the resources of the seas and oceans. Representatives of various organizations talk about these and other problems related to marine issues on this holiday.
No less important is the environmental side of the issue. Thousands of volunteers around the world clean up beaches on the Sea Day by cleaning up the trash. On this holiday, rallies and processions in defense of the open spaces are held on the main streets of many cities.
Cognitive events are organized for schoolchildren and young children, during which students learn about the secrets and riches of the sea world. Teachers tell students about the benefits that the seas and oceans bring to humanity, as well as how dangerous their pollution is. Museums and galleries hold exhibitions of paintings on the marine theme, including the artist Ivan Aivazovsky. Craftsmen organize craft fairs dedicated to the Day of the Sea.
