The International Maritime Institute (IMI) marked World Maritime Day 2026 by bringing together maritime leaders, faculty members and cadets to explore this year’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
The event served as a platform to examine how regulations, policies and global standards are translated into everyday actions that enhance safety, sustainability and operational excellence across the maritime industry.
Maritime Leaders Unite to Discuss the Future of Shipping
IMI was honoured to welcome Capt. Rajendra Poswal, Deputy Director General (Technical), MMD Noida, as Chief Guest for the occasion.
He was joined by an esteemed panel of maritime professionals including:
Their collective experience spanning ship operations, maritime technology, seafarer welfare, commercial shipping and maritime leadership offered cadets valuable industry perspectives on the realities of life and work at sea.
Translating Regulations into Professional Practice
Welcoming the gathering, Capt. Saurabh Varshney, Head of Institute (HOI), IMI, reflected on the significance of this year’s theme and the maritime industry’s long journey in strengthening standards of safety, training, security and environmental stewardship.
He highlighted how landmark frameworks such as STCW, ISM and ISPS have evolved from regulatory requirements into essential pillars of modern maritime operations.
“The maritime industry has built a strong regulatory foundation, but policies only create value when they are applied effectively at sea. At IMI, our focus is on helping cadets understand not just what regulations require, but why they matter, so that knowledge becomes judgement, procedures become habits, and compliance becomes a culture of safety, accountability and excellence.”
Chief Guest’s Message: Excellence Begins with People
Delivering the keynote address, Capt. Rajendra Poswal underscored the pivotal role of shipping in global trade and India’s growing maritime ambitions.
He noted that merchant shipping continues to carry the vast majority of world trade and remains fundamental to economic growth and international connectivity. “The Government continues to strengthen the maritime ecosystem through greater transparency, digitalisation and seafarer support. But policy alone cannot deliver excellence. Its true impact is realised through the people who put it into practice with discipline, integrity and professionalism every day.”
He stressed, “Policy can only create the framework; its true impact is realised through the people who put it into practice.”
Speaking directly to IMI cadets, Capt. Poswal stressed that maritime excellence is built on discipline, integrity and consistent compliance, particularly during moments when decisions must be made independently and responsibly.
From Classroom to Ship: Learning from Experience
One of the highlights of the programme was the panel discussion titled “From Classroom to Ship: Translating Policy into Practice.”
Drawing upon decades of combined seafaring experience, the panellists shared candid and often humorous memories of their first voyages while offering practical guidance to cadets preparing for life at sea.
The discussion moved beyond regulations and textbooks to focus on the human side of shipping, including adapting to multicultural crews, overcoming homesickness, coping with isolation and developing resilience during challenging conditions at sea.
Several panellists reflected on arriving onboard with suitcases full of clothes and equipment that were rarely used, only to realise that the most valuable items were reminders of home: family photographs, handwritten cards, favourite music and personal mementoes that helped them stay connected to loved ones during long periods away from home.
The conversation also highlighted the remarkable evolution of life at sea. While earlier generations depended on photographs, cassettes and letters to remain connected, today’s seafarers benefit from digital communication, internet connectivity and modern welfare systems. Despite these advances, the panellists agreed that professionalism, adaptability, teamwork and emotional resilience remain timeless qualities for a successful maritime career.
The session offered cadets an authentic glimpse into shipboard life and reinforced the importance of translating classroom learning into practical decision-making, leadership and personal responsibility at sea.
Showcasing Cadet Talent and Professional Excellence
The World Maritime Day celebrations featured a diverse range of academic, technical and cultural activities, including:
These activities showcased the knowledge, creativity, teamwork and leadership potential of IMI cadets while reinforcing the principles of professional excellence promoted by this year’s theme.
A Shared Commitment to Maritime Excellence
Reflecting on the occasion and the broader significance of the theme, Dr Harry Banga, Founder and Executive Chairman of The Caravel Group, shared a message for the maritime community:
“The maritime industry has never stood still. New technologies, new regulations and new expectations continually raise the bar. Maritime excellence is achieved when people, organisations and communities work together to turn those standards and ambitions into safer, more sustainable and more effective practices every day.”
His message echoed the central theme of the celebrations: while policies establish the framework for progress, true maritime excellence is delivered through the collective efforts of individuals and organisations who transform those frameworks into meaningful action.
As IMI cadets prepare to become the next generation of maritime professionals, the message from World Maritime Day 2026 remains clear: policies provide the direction, but excellence is achieved through the actions, decisions and commitment of the people who bring them to life.
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