PANAJI
The Goa Maritime Officers Association (GMOA) celebrated the Day of the Seafarer 2026 by honouring serving and retired seafarers while presenting a roadmap to strengthen Goa’s maritime sector. The programme began with a lamp-lighting ceremony led by PWD Minister Digambar Kamat, who paid tribute to seafarers and those who lost their lives at sea. The event followed this year’s International Maritime Organization theme, “Carrying World Trade. Carrying the Risks,” highlighting the vital role of seafarers and the sacrifices they make.
In his welcome address, GMOA president Capt. Ruben Salvador Fernandes outlined the association’s achievements and future plans. He said GMOA had helped establish two IMU-CET examination centres in Goa, increasing the state’s examination capacity to around 540 candidates. Over the past year, the association also conducted maritime career awareness programmes in 32 schools, reaching nearly 3,000 students.
The association urged the government to establish a Maritime Engagement Centre, a Seafarers’ Club in Vasco, a Mercantile Marine Department examination centre, and an Indian Maritime University campus in Goa. It also sought scholarships to encourage women and economically weaker students to pursue maritime education.
During the event, the inaugural GMOA souvenir was released, and several awards were presented. B. S. Mathur received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Capt. Espirito Cardozo was honoured with the Bravery at Sea Award for his leadership during a Houthi rebel attack in the Red Sea.
The programme concluded with a sand art performance and a vote of thanks.
