World Maritime Day 2015

World Maritime Day was first held in 1978 to mark the 20th anniversary of the IMO Convention’s entry into force. Celebrations are held throughout the world to focus attention on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment, and to emphasize a particular aspect of IMO's work.

World Maritime Day celebrations are usually held during the last week in September, and this year the traditional diplomatic reception to celebrate the Day will be held at IMO Headquarters on 24 September. The 2015 theme is Maritime Education and Training. WMU and our sister organization, the International Maritime Law Institute, are featured in IMO Secretary-General, Mr Koji Sekimizu's, 2015 World Maritime Day video message. Mr Sekimizu also serves as the Chancellor of WMU.

Since 2005, in addition to the official IMO celebrations held at IMO Headquarters in London, there has been a Parallel Event hosted by a Member State. This year’s Parallel Event will take place in Japan.