The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and Lighthouses of Australia Inc have joined the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to celebrate World Maritime Day on Thursday 26 September.

This year’s theme is ‘Navigating the Future: Safety First!’.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974 which sets out international shipping safety standards, the earliest of which were adopted shortly after the 1912 Titanic disaster.

AMSA CEO Mick Kinley says this year’s theme highlights that although the maritime sector has evolved, safety remains our top priority.

“With 99% of Australia’s international trade carried by ships, we must do everything we can to support the seafarers who keep Australia’s trade moving and to protect our environment from ship sourced damage.”

“Australia is committed to working with other nations at the IMO to develop the highest safety standards, ensuring new technologies create a safer and more secure shipping industry,” Mr. Kinley said.

This year, in collaboration with Lighthouses of Australia Inc, AMSA aims to celebrate and promote World Maritime Day. Lighthouses of Australia Inc’s President Ian Clifford says lighthouses represent strength and resilience and continue to provide guidance to mariners in all conditions.

“While new technology and innovations improve maritime safety, lighthouses remain one of the most iconic symbols of maritime security, they continue to represent steadfastness and guidance as we navigate new eras in maritime safety”, Mr Clifford said.

Participating maritime sites will undertake activities, including illuminating some of the remarkable sites around Australia, to celebrate the day, including, amongst others:

• Macquarie Lightstation, Vaucluse, Sydney
• Flagstaff Point lighthouse, Wollongong foreshore, NSW
• Port Kembla Maritime Centre and pilot vessels Kestrel and Shearwater, NSW
• South Solitary lighthouse optic, Coffs Harbour jetty foreshore, NSW
• MV Cape Don, ex-CLS lighthouse tender, Sydney Harbour
• McCrae lighthouse, Rosebud, Victoria.
• Gellibrand Pile Light, Seaworks, Williamstown, Victoria

For a list of participating sites check the Lighthouses of Australia Facebook post.

Participants are encouraged to share photos or video of their activities on social media using #WorldMaritimeDay.