MUSCAT, JUNE 25
The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, on Thursday celebrated the Day of the Seafarer. The event was held under the auspices of Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidy, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and attended by HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of SQU, and Saif Al Nasr al Tijani, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Sudan. The celebration highlighted the vital role played by seafarers in supporting global trade, ensuring the continuity of supply chains, and enhancing the position of maritime transport as one of the key pillars of sustainable economic development.
During the ceremony, held under the theme “We Carry Global Trade and Face the Risks,” the ministry reaffirmed the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to developing the maritime sector and enhancing its competitiveness through updating legislation, expanding international cooperation, accelerating digital transformation, and implementing qualitative initiatives to develop national competencies and protect the marine environment.
Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, said that this year’s theme reflects the pivotal role played by seafarers and maritime sector workers in transporting global trade and ensuring the sustainability of supply chains despite the challenges and risks they face while performing their duties.
The Ministry this year launched several plans for training and jobs for Omanis
He noted that the celebration represents recognition of their efforts and contributions to maintaining maritime safety and security and supporting the global economy.
In the field of international maritime cooperation, he pointed to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the the Philippines regarding the mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates. The agreement allows holders of maritime competency certificates issued by either country to work on vessels registered under the flag of the other, thereby enhancing the exchange of expertise and competencies and supporting the growth of the maritime sector.
He added that this year witnessed the launch of the “Oman Maritime Platform,” which represents a qualitative step toward the development of maritime services, improving operational efficiency and enhancing the quality of services provided to beneficiaries, in line with the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to accelerate government digital transformation.
As part of efforts to develop national competencies, the Under-Secretary for Transport highlighted the launch of several training initiatives in cooperation with relevant entities, including the Marine Cooks Initiative, which aims to qualify and empower 43 job-seekers through specialised training programmes linked to employment opportunities as cooks aboard commercial vessels.
