BY JOY OFASIA
TODAY is International Seafarers Day and at the Solomon Islands National University’s Maritime School at Ranadi Campus, East of Honiara, a group of seafarers from the country’s shipping and maritime industry commemorated the day in colorful style.
June 25th of each year is recognized worldwide as the “Day of the Seafarer” which recognizes the invaluable contribution of seafarers to international trade and its important role in the world economy.
The celebration commenced early in the morning with a parade led by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Brass Band and Traffic Escort from the Kukum Campus field to the Solomon Islands National Ranadi Campus Maritime School in Ranadi where the commemoration program was officially held.
The event gathering (today) was the first-ever marked celebration of the International Seafarers Day in the country which featured the flag raising, laying of wreaths at the jetty, sounding of the bell, followed by one long blast on its whistle, and the firing of the 4 parachute rockets from the small jetty at the Solomon Islands National University’s (SINU) Maritime School at Ranadi Campus beachfront area.
In a speech, the Vice Chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Professor Dr. Transform Aqorau said the day’s event is to honor and appreciate the valuable contributions of sea fares to the economic and social fabric of the Solomon Islands.
“It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest regards and my deepest gratitude to all seafarers both at home and abroad for their remarkable dedication, resilience, and commitment to their noble profession.
“Solomon Islands seafarers have played a vital role in shaping our nation’s history, culture, and economy,” Professor Dr. Transform Aqorau said.
Likewise, the Day of the Seafarer was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to adopt the revised STCW Convention. Its stated purpose is to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy, and civil society as a whole.
The resolution “encourages Governments, shipping organizations, companies, shipowners and all other parties concerned to duly and appropriately promote the Day of the Seafarer and take action to celebrate it meaningfully.”
