Calendar of International Maritime Observance Days

The maritime industry, the oceans, and marine life are vital to the health of our planet and global economy. Every year, various international and national observance days are celebrated to raise awareness, recognize achievements, and promote the protection of marine environments and seafarers.

And if you’re a regular reader of the Martide blog, you’ll know that we often write posts highlighting these days as and when they pop up in the calendar.

But if you’re wanting a full list of all the days related to maritime topics and the ocean, you’re in luck as we thought we’d save you the time and effort of having to Google them all!

Dates for Your Maritime Calendar

So here you have it - a nice and tidy list of key dates in the maritime calendar that you’ll want to know, starting with the big daddy!

1. World Maritime Day

• When: Last Thursday of September

• Organizer: International Maritime Organization (IMO)

• Purpose: Celebrates the maritime industry’s contribution to the global economy, shipping safety, security, and the marine environment.

• Fun Fact: Each year has a different theme, such as “New Technologies for Greener Shipping” (2022).

• Related Martide Blog Post: World Maritime Day 2024: Navigating the Future with Safety

2. World Oceans Day

• When: June 8

• Organizer: United Nations

• Purpose: Highlights the importance of the oceans and promotes action to protect the world’s oceans and sustainable ocean management.

• Fun Fact: First proposed in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

• Related Martide Blog Post: Awakening New Depths: Observing World Oceans Day

3. International Day for Women in Maritime

• When: May 18

• Organizer: International Maritime Organization (IMO)

• Purpose: Promotes the recruitment, retention, and empowerment of women in the maritime sector.

• Fun Fact: It was officially established by IMO in 2021.

• Related Martide Blog Post: Safe Horizons: Happy International Women in Maritime Day

Read more: Celebrating International Women’s Day: Women in Maritime

4. Day of the Seafarer

• When: June 25

• Organizer: International Maritime Organization (IMO)

• Purpose: Recognizes the invaluable contribution of seafarers to global trade and the economy.

• Fun Fact: Each year features a theme encouraging public support for seafarers, such as ” #SeafarersAreKeyWorkers. ”

• Related Martide Blog Post: Day of the Seafarer 2024: Essential Safety Tips

5. World Fisheries Day

• When: November 21

• Organizer: Global Fisheries Forum

• Purpose: Celebrates the importance of healthy ocean ecosystems and highlights issues facing the world’s fisheries and fishing communities.

• Fun Fact: Fishing communities all over the globe hold rallies, workshops, and cultural shows on this day.

6. International Coastal Cleanup Day

• When: Third Saturday in September

• Organizer: Ocean Conservancy

• Purpose: Encourages volunteers worldwide to remove trash from beaches and waterways, raising awareness about marine debris.

• Fun Fact: It is one of the world’s largest annual volunteer efforts for the ocean.

Read more: World Meteorological Day & Our Oceans

7. National Maritime Day (USA)

• When: May 22

• Organizer: United States Department of Transportation / Maritime Administration

• Purpose: Honors America’s maritime history and the dedication of its merchant mariners.

• Fun Fact: This observance began in 1933, commemorating the first successful transoceanic voyage by an American steamship, the SS Savannah, in 1819.

• Related Martide Blog Post: Navigating the Future: Celebrating National Maritime Day USA

8. European Maritime Day

• When: Around May 20 (date varies slightly)

• Organizer: European Commission

• Purpose: Celebrates Europe’s rich maritime heritage and focuses on innovation, blue economy opportunities, and ocean sustainability.

• Fun Fact: Events are held across Europe with a flagship event hosted each year by a different EU city.

• Related Martide Blog Posts: Celebrating May 20th: European Maritime Day and European Maritime Day: Celebrating Europe’s Seafaring Legacy

9. Sea Sunday

• When: Second Sunday in July

• Organizer: Mission to Seafarers, Stella Maris, and other seafarer missions

• Purpose: Religious and humanitarian groups worldwide offer prayers and support for seafarers and their families.

• Fun Fact: Churches and maritime charities hold special services and fundraisers to highlight the challenges faced by those working at sea.

10. National Maritime Day (India)

• When: April 5

• Organizer: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

• Purpose: Highlights the importance of the shipping industry to India’s trade and economy and trade, and shows appreciation for Indian seafarers.

• Fun Fact: India has a 4670 mile coastline, including the mainland, the Lakshadweep Islands, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

• Related Martide Blog Post: National Maritime Day India: Facts & Stats

11. International Whale Shark Day

• When: August 30

• Organizer: Various environmental organizations

• Purpose: Raises awareness about the conservation of whale sharks, the world’s largest fish, which are vital to ocean health.

• Fun Fact: Despite their size, whale sharks are gentle giants that mostly eat plankton.

12. Coral Triangle Day

• When: June 9

• Organizer: Coral Triangle Initiative

• Purpose: Celebrates and raises awareness about the Coral Triangle, one of the world’s richest marine biodiversity areas, covering parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

• Fun Fact: The Coral Triangle supports the livelihoods of over 120 million people.

• Related Martide Blog Post: Coral Triangle Day: What Is It & How Can You Get Involved?

13. National Maritime Day (Philippines)

• When: Last Friday of September

• Organizer: Philippines Department of Transportation

• Purpose: A day to recognize the importance of the shipping industry to the Philippines’ economy and trade and to show appreciation for the huge numbers of Filipino seafarers.

• Fun Fact: Events such as parades, flag-raising ceremonies and awards programs are popular ways of shining the spotlight on the Philippine maritime industry and its seafarers.

• Related Martide Blog Post: National Maritime Day Philippines: Facts & Stats

14. World Water Day

• When: March 22

• Organizer: United Nations

• Purpose: Focuses on the importance of freshwater resources and sustainable water management, which includes oceans, rivers, and coastal areas.

• Fun Fact: Each year features a theme, such as “Accelerating Change” (2023).

15. National Maritime Day (Indonesia)

• When: September 23

• Organizer: Various entities, including government agencies, private companies, and educational institutions.

• Purpose: Shines a light on the importance of the shipping industry to this island nation and thanks the hardworking men and women who spend much of their lives at sea.

• Fun Fact: Indonesian National Maritime Day was decreed by the first president of Indonesia, President Sukarno in 1964.

• Related Martide Blog Post: National Maritime Day Indonesia: Facts & Stats

16. World Marine Aids to Navigation Day

• When: July 1

• Organizer: The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA)

• Purpose: To raise awareness of the importance of marine aids to navigation – for example, lighthouses, buoys, beacons and fog signals.

• Fun Fact: The day is a relatively new one, having been established by the IALA in May 2018 at their 13th General Assembly.

• Related Martide Blog Post: A History of Buoys for World Marine Aids to Navigation Day

Read more: International Family Day: Staying Connected in Jobs at Sea

17. National Maritime Day (Mexico)

• When: June 1

• Organizer: Mexican Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR)

• Purpose: Created with the aim of recognizing those who work at sea - whether that is in the armed forces/navy or within the civil, or merchant, sectors.

• Fun Fact: On Día de la Marina the Mexican flag is flown at full staff by all the government’s different departments.

• Related Martide Blog Post: National Maritime Day Mexico: Facts & Stats

18. World Tuna Day

• When: May 2

• Organizer: United Nations

• Purpose: Dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of tuna conservation and promoting sustainable fishing practices.

• Fun Fact: Tuna can swim at speeds of up to 43 miles per hour and have a unique ability to regulate their body temperature.

• Related Martide Blog Post: World Tuna Day: Sustainability & the Fishing Industry

Why These Days Matter

Celebrating these observance days is more than symbolic, it’s a chance to:

• Raise public awareness about critical issues facing our oceans and maritime workers.

• Inspire positive action such as beach cleanups, education campaigns, and policy advocacy.

• Support industry initiatives towards more sustainable shipping, fishing, and marine tourism.

• Recognize the sacrifices and contributions of the people who work on and depend on the ocean.

Whether you’re a maritime professional, a shipping company, a conservationist, or simply someone who loves the sea, taking part in these events can strengthen your connection to the ocean and help ensure a healthier future for our blue planet.

Quick Calendar View

Date	Observance
March 22	World Water Day
April 5	National Maritime Day (India)
May 2	World Tuna Day
May 18	International Day for Women in Maritime
Around May 20	European Maritime Day
May 22	National Maritime Day (USA)
June 1	National Maritime Day (Mexico)
June 8	World Oceans Day
June 9	Coral Triangle Day
June 25	Day of the Seafarer
July 1	World Aids to Navigation Day
Second Sunday in July	Sea Sunday
August 30	International Whale Shark Day
Third Saturday in September	International Coastal Cleanup Day
September 23	National Maritime Day (Indonesia)
Last Thursday of September	World Maritime Day
Last Friday of September	National Maritime Day (Philippines)
November 21	World Fisheries Day

Bonus Tip:

We’ve talked before in the Martide blog about why marketing is important for your company in the shipping industry, and whether you’re running, or working for, a maritime business, organization or charity, these days are perfect opportunities to create social media campaigns, blog posts, events, or awareness drives that resonate with your audience!

Have we missed any international, or national, observance days that have a special meaning for you? Why not let us know on our socials? You can find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Bluesky and Instagram.