The event featured a presentation of the achievements of the maritime sector in the Sultanate, in collaboration with all relevant entities. It also included an accompanying exhibition by participating institutions and a display of entries from the maritime life and activities photography competition.

The celebration also included panel discussions, technical presentations, and the honoring of sponsors and distinguished personnel in the maritime sector.

In his speech on the occasion, Captain Mazin bin Hamad Al-Rashidi, Director of Maritime Transport at MTCIT, stated:

“Today, we gather to celebrate the International Day of the Seafarer amidst a series of achievements in the maritime sector, which has witnessed legal and legislative updates, increased revenues, enhanced coordination between public and private maritime entities, and strengthened the sector with skilled national personnel.”

He added, “The Ministry has worked on developing the Maritime Law by introducing modern investment provisions aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and compliant with international maritime conventions. These efforts aim to keep pace with developments in the maritime transport industry and enhance Oman’s business environment.”

Oman has also approved accession to the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Convention, further strengthening its presence and status within the global maritime community.

Digital Transformation

As part of its digital transformation efforts, the Ministry has made over 95% of its services for seafarers available electronically, enabling seafarers and stakeholders to complete their transactions and verify certificates and competencies efficiently and reliably.

National Partnerships

Captain Al-Rashidi explained that the Ministry continues to collaborate with the Ministry of Labour, the National Employment Program, and Asyad Group to implement training and employment-linked programs to qualify and empower young Omani talents for high-quality job opportunities in the maritime sector.

International Cooperation

In terms of international cooperation, Captain Al-Rashidi noted that the Ministry has signed nine agreements and cooperation memorandums in the field of maritime transport, along with sixteen memorandums of understanding for mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates, and ten agreements with international classification societies—enhancing Oman’s global competitiveness and the international maritime community’s trust in the Sultanate.

First Quarter Achievements – 2025

The Director of Maritime Transport highlighted that the Ministry continued its inspection and monitoring duties for ships. During the first quarter of 2025, seventy-four foreign ships were inspected at Omani ports, and more than one hundred navigation permits were issued for foreign vessels operating within Oman’s territorial waters.

Regarding services delivered, a total of 950 services were provided through ship registration offices across the governorates, in addition to issuing 315 maritime activity permits and 188 seafarer certificates.

Maritime Sector Initiatives

In its commitment to protecting seafarers’ rights and ensuring a safe working environment, the Ministry launched the Seafarers’ Grievance Service. It also introduced a marine fuel supply service using mass flow metering technology—the first of its kind in the Middle East.

Furthermore, in partnership with relevant entities, the Ministry continues to create employment opportunities in the maritime sector. Training and employment-linked programs have been implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Asyad Group to train and employ Omani graduates.