Maritime Cook Islands Focuses on Next Generation on World Maritime Day

Maritime Cook Islands (“MCI”) joined the international maritime community in a celebration of World Maritime Day 2016 on September 29.

The theme for 2016 is “Shipping: indispensable to the world”, focusing on the critical link between shipping and the global society.

In the days leading up to the World Maritime Day 2016, Cook Islands government bodies – Foreign Affairs, Port Authority, Ministry of Education, Police and Ministry of Transport – and MCI got together to organise a series of activities to commemorate this important day of the maritime community worldwide.

Celebrations took place at Avatiu Harbour, Rarotonga, Cook Islands with activities predominantly involved in raising awareness of the industry to youths; successfully attracting over 300 students from six different schools around Rarotonga who participated in the event.

Focused on vessels and port operations, activities included a guided tour on-board the different types of vessels such as a traditional voyaging canoe, a domestic vessel as well as a small vessel.

Over at the XCIL Shipping (Matson)’s shed, a mini exhibition was held to showcase the containers they transport in and out of the country.

There was also a demonstration on forklift and warehouse operations as well as a safety gear demonstration of a police patrol boat, Te Kukupa.

The day ended on a high note with a heaving line competition where each school nominated three representatives to take part in the event. Prizes were given to the school with the best throw.

With the growing global population, MCI notes the importance of consistently educating, and imparting knowledge and skills relating to the maritime industry, to the younger generation; the leaders of tomorrow.

This is aligned to the annual World Maritime Day video message by IMO’s Secretary-General, Kitack Lim who said, “As the World Maritime Day theme for 2016 so rightly acknowledges, shipping is indispensable to the world – and is set to remain central to world economic growth as we make the inevitable transition towards an era of clean and sustainable development,”

“This is a message that needs, and deserves, a wider audience. Almost everyone in the world today relies on shipping to some extent – but very few are aware of it,” Mr. Lim said, urging all those involved in shipping to take the opportunity to highlight this vital industry, on which so many depend.”