National Maritime Day is observed on 5th April in India. On this day the history of navigation was created when SS Loyalty, the first ship of The Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd journeyed to the United Kingdom. This was a crucial step in India shipping history when sea routes were controlled by the British. 

The theme of the 55th edition of the National Maritime Day 2018 celebrations is “Indian Shipping – An Ocean of opportunity”. 

The national maritime day is celebrated to represent the awareness in supporting intercontinental commerce and the global economy as the most well-organized, safe and sound environmentally responsive approach of transporting goods from one corner to another corner of the world.
 

So, on the occasion of National Maritime Day here are some interesting facts that you should know. 

- It was first celebrated on 5 April 1964.

- The Committee of National Maritime Day Celebrations has decided to institute its highest award namely Varuna Award to recognize and honor persons for their sustained and outstanding contribution to the Indian Maritime Sector. It shall consist of a statue of Lord Varuna and a Citation.

- The ‘NMD Award of Excellence’ shall also be given during celebrations which consist of a trophy and a citation. It is given to recognize and honor persons for their lifetime exceptional and distinguished achievements or performance at the senior functional level in Indian Maritime sector.

-The ‘Outstanding Contribution to Maritime Education and Training’ award shall consist of a Trophy and a Citation. It is given to recognize and honor distinguished individuals for their sustained contribution to the Maritime Education and training.

- In post-independence era, the country has scheduled a notable growth in shipping. In the Maritime history, United Kingdom has nominated International Maritime Organisation for maritime protection and to prevent pollution from ships. In 1959 India became an associate of this agency.

- This association convenes maritime conferences and drafts worldwide maritime conventions on a standard basis. No doubt for all-round development of the country sea route maturity and preservation is extremely essential. 5 April marks the inevitability of shielding, preserving and defending our maritime zone.