28th of September, 2006 marked the 29th celebration of World Maritime Day, the annual occasion when the International Maritime Organization (IMO) leads the world in honouring shipping. The day is used 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. IMO's theme for this year's World Maritime Day is "Technical Co-operation: IMO's response to the 2005 World Summit", which was chosen to focus on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) adopted by the United Nations as the world community's response to challenges such as hunger, disease and environmental degradation. "Maritime activity has a key role to play in meeting the Millennium Development Goals, for shipping not only moves the world's burgeoning trade, but can also contribute substantially to sustainable development, while international commerce promotes production, job creation and greater socio-economic prosperity. And the combination of all these has, undoubtedly, the potential to lift people from hunger and poverty and also eradicate life-threatening diseases," said Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, Secretary-General.

29th WORLD MARITIME DAY CELEBRATION – SEAFARERS CLUB, CHENNAI :

The event was given a head-start with the unfurling of the Merchant Navy Flag followed by Guard of Honour – March-past by cadets and ratings of various Maritime Training Institutes in Chennai. The cadets marched in various platoons each headed by their respective commanders, gave a stunning performance. The AMET platoon took the lead, together with the smart pilots marching the way, all headed by the overall Parade Commander, Rushil Tandon from AMET.

The Marchpast was trailed by the Welcome Address and Inauguration of the Seminar by the Chief Guest, Shri S. Velumani, Chairman, Ennore Port Ltd., address by Commodore U.N. Chitnavis, Deputy Director General, NCC and the introduction of Theme – “Technical Co-operation: IMO’s response to the 2005 World Summit” .

Following events included 3 remarkable presentations. The first one by the Members of Nautical Institute, India South, highlighting on the issues of core competence, Sailing Master’s views on Current Regulations & Practices and on ‘Who should shoulder HR?’.

Members of Institute of Marine Engineers (India), Chennai Branch drew the attention to ‘Greenhouse gases – Reduction & Anthropologic Interference in Climatic Systems’. The Members of Company of Master Mariners of India, Chennai Chapter emphasized on Technical co-operation, Impact of Poverty & Environment as the main outcome of the 2005 World Summit. This view was presented by Capt S Bhardwaj, CEO & Director of AMET. A presentation on Counter-Terrorism Measures & ‘Whether ISPS is really successful’ was also given.

The presentations were then tagged on to the Cadets – Winners of Inter-Maritime Training Institutes Elocution competition, ‘Best All Rounder Cadet’ and Painting competition.

There was a big applaud for the cadets of AMET – Cadet Jasween Kaur & Cadet Subin Soman who bagged the 1st and the 2nd positions respectively for the Elocution Competition after an outstanding performance on the topic – ‘LIFE ONBOARD & ASHORE’, adding a further element of pride to their institute. To add up, Cadet Guru Prasath, final year B.E. cadet from AMET bagged the ‘Best Overall Cadet, M.E.’ award.

Trailed by the Vote of Thanks by Shri K.H. Mehta, SRS, MMD & Hon. Sec. & Tr., NMDCC and the National Anthem, lunch was up next; the event finally concluding with a press conference.