Maritime Awareness Week set for September 22-26

JAMAICA’S MARITIME community will observe Maritime Awareness Week from Monday, September 22 to Friday, September 26, aligned with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) World Maritime Day theme, ‘Our Ocean – Our Obligation – Our Opportunity’.

In his 2025 message, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez noted that the ocean “sustains life on Earth”, connects people, and provides the “blue ways” that carry 80 per cent of world trade but faces mounting pressure from plastic pollution, rising temperatures, acidification, and overfishing. He urges collaborative action to reduce pollution, protect marine life, and shift to sustainable habits, reminding us that restoration is both an obligation and an opportunity to build “a healthier planet, stronger economies and a safer future for generations to come”.

Jamaica’s ocean space is 24 times the size of its land area and the ocean therefore plays a critical role in fostering economic growth in the country. “The ocean provides food, jobs and recreation for many Jamaicans and as the cornerstone of transportation, the ocean is the lifeblood of our economy with over 80 per cent of Jamaica’s trade being carried in ships,” said Betrand Smith, director general of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ). “It is therefore critical that we protect the ocean’s health while we take advantage of the opportunities the blue economy provides to our country,” he continued.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

Wednesday, Sept 24 – Maritime Town Parade hosted by the Caribbean Maritime University

Time: 1 p.m.-6 p.m. – Location: Half-Way Tree Transport Centre

• Opening segment with welcome remarks; marching cadets enter from South Odeon Avenue

• Ongoing entertainment: CMU Cheerleaders flash mob; performance by D’Yani; live music and DJ

• Community & industry showcase booths (careers, products, services)

• JCF engagement

• Giveaways and on-the-spot competition

Thursday, Sept 25 – World Maritime Day

• 7 p.m. | Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade, 2 Port Royal Street, Kingston. Illuminating Ceremony & Cocktail Reception hosted by the Maritime Authority of Jamaica under the IMO theme

• Special newspaper supplement in recognition of World Maritime Day .

• World Maritime Day Webinar 10 a.m. hosted by the MAJ under this year’s theme - ‘Our Ocean – Our Obligation – Our Opportunity’.

Friday, Sept 26 – Maritime Mania and Open Day hosted by the Caribbean Maritime University

Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Location: Caribbean Maritime University

• Exhibitor Village (10–12 exhibitors) showcasing careers, technology, and training tools

• Guided campus tours; meet-and-greet with faculty, staff, and students

• Hands-on stations and interactive challenges

• Decoder, Maritime Trivia Wheel, Maritime Charades, Pulley System

• Live outside broadcast

The shipping industry invites the public, especially students and young professionals, to engage with Jamaica’s blue-economy opportunities while advancing the IMO’s call to safeguard the ocean through collaboration, innovation, and responsible stewardship.