For centuries, mariners relied on equipment aboard the ship for safe navigation. Modern navigational equipment includes a gyro compass, radar, autopilot, global positioning system (GPS), and echo sounder. The faithful equipment forms the base for passage across oceans to deliver cargo or passengers in a safe and timely manner. Over time, the reliable equipment earned the trust of the navigator. The navigator was,  owever, trained to never rely solely on any one device to find the way safely.

With over eighty percent of our trade carried by ship, and a maritime area more than twenty-four times our land mass, Jamaica's prosperity is deeply tied to international trade and global supply chains, which are under constant pressure from geopolitical and climate-related disruption. 

This year's World Maritime Day theme, "Fom Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence," speaks to the value of rules-based global system: one that upholds freedom of navigation the implementation of globally accepted shipping rules, and a secure, uninterrupted supply chain.

Jamaica joins with other Member States of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations specialized agency for the regulation of international shipping, in celebrating World Maritime Day 2024 under the theme: Navigating the Future: Safety First.

As Jamaica joins in the celebration of World Maritime Day, we stand at a crucial juncture in the evolution of global shipping and maritime safety. This year’s theme, ‘Navigating the future: Safety first!’ underscores  our collective commitment to ensuring that the maritime industry continues to thrive while prioritising the safety of all who navigate our seas.

On this Day of the Seafarer, we celebrate and honour the dedication, bravery, and hard work of every person who sails the seas, ensuring the flow of goods and services across the globe. This year's theme, "Safety  Tips at Sea," emphasizes seafarers' vital contributions to making the maritime sector a safer workplace.