Ninth edition of Joint Maritime Seminar, conducted by Indian Navy, Nautical Institute India, (West) and IMF, was held at INHS Asvini auditorium, Mumbai on 24 Aug 2023. The seminar was conducted to foster cooperation between seafaring communities and provided a platform for interaction between various Government as well as non-government maritime stakeholders to interact and exchange views, concerns and knowledge. The theme of this year’s Seminar revolved around maritime response to pandemics and disasters, and how maritime agencies could better support national effort during such occurrences. The Seminar, coordinated by MWC, Mumbai on behalf of HQWNC was attended by nearly 250 delegates including Captain Kapil Dev Bahl, Chairman Nautical Institute India (West), Captain Anand Dixit, President IMF, Flag Officers and senior officials from Indian Navy, DG Shipping and Merchant Navy as well as retired navy officers, noted academics and budding mariners. The Seminar was conducted over two sessions with technical experts and experienced speakers from Indian Navy and merchant marine who informed the audience about their personal experiences during 1971 war, pandemics and disasters. Various facets, including restraints as well as way ahead were brought out during the Seminar. Coming close on the heels of the unprecedented rescue efforts mounted by Indian Navy during Cyclone Biparjoy, and repatriation of personnel from Sudan as part of Operation Kaveri, the topics were both contemporary, as well as relevant, and thus generated interesting discussions. The opening address was delivered by Captain Anand Dixit, President IMF while the inaugural address was delivered by Captain Kapil Dev Bahl, Chairman NI India (West). RAdm Kunal Rajkumar, CSO(Ops), WNC while delivering the keynote address highlighted the importance of maritime domain in Indian context. He also stressed on the necessity of collaboration between sea-faring communities to gain from each other’s experiences and best practices and acknowledged the role of NI and IMF towards mainstreaming maritime consciousness. He brought out the stellar role played by Indian Navy while providing HADR, as also the role played by merchant marine historically during non-combatant evacuation operations. He emphasised the impact of climate change leading to more frequent and devastating extreme weather events and changing global geo-political scenario leading to increased instances of non-combatant evacuation. Keeping this challenges in sight, he urged the seafaring communities to work together in cohesion so as to be better positioned to respond to disasters and contribute in a more substantial manner towards national effort in times of need.
