The euphoria on the campus of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) last Friday, the 23rd of June, 2023 featured highly-energetic individuals from the Maritime Fraternity. The participants converged at the African Unity Auditorium of the University for the commemoration of the Day of the Seafarer organized under the auspices of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA).
The theme for the celebration was focused on seafarers’ contribution in protecting the marine environment in line with the World Maritime Convention theme which is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (“MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on”. The celebration seeks to appreciate seafarers for their immerse contribution to the world’s economic growth.
In a speech read by Capt. Dallas Laryea-International Maritime Organization (IMO) Regional Coordinator for West and Central Africa on behalf of the IMO Secretary General, Kitack Lim, highlighted the seafarer’s contribution to the safety of ships and protection of the marine environment. He added that, seafarers contribute to enforce the IMO’s environment related treaties by implementing rules on garbage, sewage and air pollution prevention. Towards this end, he invited like minds to share on their social media platforms some equipment they use in protecting the environment and some special trainings received in implementing the safety protocols under the hashtag #OceanWorthProtecting.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr. Jethro Brooks Jnr, in his delivery, expressed his gratitude to the GMA for the cordial and collaborative working relationship. He highlighted some achievements of the University in preparing students in relation to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ships otherwise known as MARPOL 73/78, as amended.
He was of the hope that, the strategic alliances of the University with shipping industries will catapult RMU graduates to be impactful in their maritime career and become useful members of the worldwide community.
The Director-General of GMA, Mr. Thomas Alonsi on his part, highlighted some processes of the organization in the ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Seafarer’s Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 as amended (No. 185).
The Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Mr. Thomas Alonsi
He explained that the convention when fully implemented would afford Seafarer’s especially Ghanaians the opportunity to be exempted and work in international countries free from fines and sanctions. He assured that GMA will continuously work towards making sailing and shipping a more sound and sustainable venture for all seafarers.
Some artwork by RMU students on display during the celebration.
The celebration was graced by some dignitaries including the Deputy Minister of Transport of the Republic of Ghana, officials from the GMA, Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority, Shipper Council, RMU Management, staff, students and friends from the media.
Information Source: Marketing Unit.