Report by Captain Gwee-Bok-Lee, President of Korea Shipmasters’ Association (at centre in photo)
The 2026 World Maritime Day Parallel Event was held at the Busan Port International Exhibition & Convention Center (BPEX) on 26–27 October, jointly organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea. Under this year’s theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” the event focused on how IMO conventions can be effectively implemented through national legislation, enforcement and international cooperation.
On 26 October, I attended the Opening Ceremony (10:30–11:45) together with Captain Wansik Eum, Vice President of the Korea Shipmasters’ Association (KSMA). The ceremony included a performance by the Busan Metropolitan Dance Company. We then joined the luncheon (12:00–14:00) and, in the afternoon, attended Session 2, the IGO–NGO Dialogue (15:45–17:00), chaired by Mr. Kitack Lim, Secretary-General Emeritus of IMO. Speakers from IMO, IALA, IHO and IMSO, together with representatives of ZESTAs and BEMA, discussed how international organizations and technical and industry partners can help Member States implement IMO instruments consistently. In the evening we also attended the welcome dinner (18:30–20:30) at the Park Hyatt Busan, attended by the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, which offered valuable opportunities to meet colleagues from the international maritime community.
As shipmasters, we were reminded that “practice” ultimately happens on board our ships. The IMO Secretary-General’s message in the event brochure stressed that the global regulatory framework delivers its benefits only when it is effectively implemented and enforced at the national level, and drew attention to the safety of seafarers amid current geopolitical tensions. These are issues of direct concern to masters, and IFSMA’s voice in such discussions is very important.
The event was followed by the 20th Korea Maritime Week (28–29 October). Busan will also host the Fourth United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2028, and the 2027 World Maritime Day Parallel Event will be held in Manila, the Philippines, on 18–19 October 2027.