Why is Merchant Navy Day Celebrated?

merchant navy day

Merchant Navy Day is a momentous event to precise gratitude and recognise the onerous work, dedication and persistence of the seafarers due to whom the world maritime commerce continues to prosper and develop.

But earlier than we delve deeper into Merchant Navy Day and the way it’s celebrated, let’s perceive what the service provider navy is and why it’s so necessary.

Merchant Navy is a non-military service used to explain business transport, which incorporates completely different sorts of ships, corresponding to container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, ROROs, and cruise ships. These ships are designed and constructed in a different way to hold particular cargo.

For instance, container ships are constructed to hold standard-size containers to allow them to be simply stacked on one another onboard the ship.

Importance of Merchant Navy

More than 90 per cent of products, companies, and manufactured objects are transported from one a part of the world to the opposite onboard ships. This makes business transport an intrinsic a part of the worldwide economic system and a key element of the availability chain.

Hence, with out business transport, you gained’t be capable to purchase your favorite model of garments or footwear manufactured out of the country or eat your favorite meals for the reason that elements may not be accessible the place you reside.

However, this isn’t restricted to solely items. There are ferries, passenger vessels, and cruise ships which might be handy. If a nation has rivers and inland waterways, these vessels are a less expensive various than roads or railways.

Apart from inland transportation, ships additionally assist in environmental analysis, surveys and way more. Lastly, there are tugs that information and transfer or tow different ships into and out of harbours or ports. They are additionally utilized in emergencies if a vessel loses management or drifts.

The Merchant Navy is sort of important, and with out trendy vessels transporting cargo, we wouldn’t be residing in a contemporary, interconnected world the place every part is on the market to us. Commercial Shipping additionally contributes to the worldwide economic system and the nationwide economies of countries with huge coastlines and a number of other ports.

Now we all know how important the Merchant Navy is; nevertheless, ships don’t function by themselves. They are managed by expert seafarers who’re chargeable for safely transporting and loading cargo from one port to a different. And this isn’t a straightforward job.

Seafarers depart their households for months and sail onboard ships. Theirs is just not a 9-to-5 job, as they dwell onboard the vessel, and emergencies can come up anytime.

Though handsomely compensated for his or her work, being a seafarer takes sheer psychological and bodily energy, self-discipline and persistence.

Merchant Navy Day, celebrated on September 3 yearly within the U.Okay., recognises the spirit of those exceptional seafarers.

Merchant Navy Day within the U.Okay

In honour of the courageous service provider seafarers, today is marked to recollect their function in conserving the world’s maritime commerce flowing easily in order that the necessities of individuals the world over are fulfilled, from the meals we eat to the home equipment we use.

This day is for the heroes who navigate the oceans and seas so others can have a snug life. It can also be a day to rejoice the sacrifices of the service provider navy through the World Wars and to honour the nation’s maritime heritage.

In at the moment’s world, seafarers proceed to be a significant power, going through life-threatening storms at sea but persevering with unabated. Their silent, steadfast service within the face of adversity receives due recognition on today.

From going through harmful conditions at sea to feeling lonely and lacking their household or unable to see land for days or months, they endure it so everybody can dwell a lifetime of consolation and fulfilment.

But have you ever thought why September 3 was chosen because the Merchant Navy Day?

Let’s discover out.

Why is Merchant Navy Day Celebrated on September 3?

It was in 2000 that the UK determined to rejoice its Merchant Navy Day on September 3. You may marvel why this date was chosen.

Well, it goes again to the appearance of World War II, when Merchant Navy vessels started to help the struggle effort by transporting needed provides and different gear, going through not solely the cruel seas but in addition the hazards of a struggle.

On September 3 1939, SS Athenia grew to become the primary British Ship to be sunk by a German U-boat through the Second World War. Around 117 passengers and crew died within the sinking, which was known as a struggle crime. Among the lifeless, 28 had been residents of the U.S. therefore Germany feared that the U.S. would be part of the struggle in help of France and the U.Okay., so it denied that none of its vessels had sunk the Athenia till 1946.

The service provider navy was the spine of maritime commerce throughout these tough instances. Though their contribution was not recognised instantly, it was appreciated years after steady advocacy for his or her rights. Hence, now it’s formally acknowledged.

Additionally, King George bestowed the title of Merchant Navy on British civilian vessels after their commendable service in World War I. Many different nations additionally adopted this title, as beforehand, the seafarers had been known as Mercantile Marine or Merchant Service, though the time period Merchant Navy was used informally from the nineteenth century onwards.

How is Merchant Navy Day Celebrated?

Raising the Red Ensign

This is a robust symbolic gesture to respect and honour the seafarers. The Red Ensign is the logo of the Merchant Navy and is flown on business ships. You may show it at dwelling, within the office, or the neighborhood.

Spreading Awareness

One can take the initiative to find out about their nation’s maritime historical past and be conscious of their consumption habits. They may unfold the phrase on social media and honour the contributions of seafarers.

Attend or Organise Events

One may attend occasions or organise them. One can examine their native listings for Merchant Navy Day occasions corresponding to exhibitions, talks, memorial companies and parades. One may host a seafarer-themed social gathering the place the friends can gown up as a well-known maritime character. This is each enjoyable and a studying expertise for youths and adults.

Extend Support to Seafarer Charities

Many charities and organisations provide monetary help to former seafarers and their households who’re struggling. You can donate or volunteer if potential to make a distinction. If you recognize any individual who served within the Merchant Navy or continues to be part of it, you may share their tales on social media and even categorical gratitude personally.

Let’s see how another nations honour their seafarers.

U.S.A

The U.S. celebrates its National Maritime Day on May 22 annually from 1933 onwards.

90 years in the past, Congress introduced today to commemorate the voyage of the American Steamship S.S. Savannah from the U.S. to England, which she accomplished in 29 days and have become the primary steamship to cross the Atlantic.

During the Second World War, over 250,000 members of the American Merchant Marine served their nation, with over 6700 who gave up their lives, and a whole lot ended up as struggle prisoners and died when enemies sank their ships.

Nonetheless, the Merchant Marine has been the muse of maritime safety and peace within the nation. Maritime Day recognises one of many USA’s most necessary workforce, and ceremonies, celebrations, and many others., are held in lots of areas to recognise their contributions.

Australia

September 3 is widely known as Merchant Navy Day in Australia to honour the Bravehearts of the nation. It can also be in recognition of their contribution to the financial development and improvement of the nation.

China

Beijing has celebrated July 11 as National Maritime Day since 2005. On today in 1405, Zheng He of the Ming Dynasty led Chinese ships on voyages so far as America, 87 years earlier than Christopher Colombus arrived in America.

India

April 5 has been celebrated as National Maritime Day since 1964 in India. This date was chosen because it was on today in 1919 that SS Loyalty, the primary ship of Scindia Steam Navigation Company, sailed to the U.Okay.

The Philippines

Since 1996, September 27, or the final Friday of September, has been celebrated as National Maritime Day within the Philippines. On today, the authorities promote and develop nationwide maritime insurance policies and capabilities.

European Union

European Maritime Day falls on May 20. This day highlights the essential function of oceans and seas within the lives of coastal communities and all EU residents relating to sustainable improvement and employment.

Japan

Since 1996, Japan has celebrated July 20 as Marine Day. On today, Emperor Meiji returned from a ship journey to the nation’s northernmost island of Hokkaido in 1876.

Canada

May 26 is Canada’s Marine Day, which celebrates its maritime trade, its previous, current, and future.

Conclusion

Merchant Navy Day is an event to rejoice, recognise, and categorical gratitude to the seafaring neighborhood that works regardless of all odds to make sure the graceful working of the world’s maritime commerce and international provide chains. They are the pillars of this world and very important to the worldwide economic system, and due to their numerous sacrifices, individuals’s lives are a lot simpler and extra snug.

You may additionally wish to read-

10 Reasons Why a Career in Merchant Navy is Unlike Any Other
What is the Difference between Merchant Navy and Defence Navy?
8 Things to Keep in Mind Before Joining Merchant Navy
A Guide To Merchant Navy Uniform
10 Reasons Why a Career in Merchant Navy is Unlike Any Other

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About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid author, possessing immaculate analysis and modifying abilities. Author of a number of tutorial papers, she has additionally labored as a contract author, producing many technical, inventive and advertising items. A real aesthete at coronary heart, she loves books somewhat greater than the rest.

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