Marine show could spur interest in seafaring
MUSCAT: In celebration of the Day of the Seafarer, the Ministry of Transport and Communications launched a marine exhibition in Qurum City Center, under the auspices of Said Hamdoon Al Harthy, Undersecretary of Ports and Maritime Affairs.
The small exhibition showcased ancient as well as modern equipment, tools and maps used to sail the seas, in addition to old defence weapons such as cannons.
Patrick Wells, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs in International Maritime College Oman (IMCO), said, “Oman is an old seafaring nation but the awareness for the maritime industry in Oman is not that big at the moment. So for this, especially for young students, as they come through the door, it will create awareness and will be amazing for us.”
“The face of maritime education is changing very dramatically as we become more dependent on electronics, but if you look at celestial navigation, tides and current and the techniques used today is pretty much the same as a thousand years ago. It is essentially part of the art of being a mariner.”
Seafaring is considered one of the most important professions contributing to the Omani economy and a vital element of Omani heritage and culture.
During an award ceremony honouring Omani mariners, Rashid Al Kiyumi, Director General of Maritime Affairs in MOTC, said: “No doubt that appreciating and valuing them is vital, especially since about 90 per cent of world trade moves by sea.”