Ships and boats cruised through the Nuku’alofa waterfront this afternoon to mark World Maritime Day, under a theme connecting ships, ports and people in a local campaign urging maritime stakeholders to be ready and safe.

As part of a Marine Safety Campaign initiated in July by the Marine and Ports Division, today's event at Vuna Wharf, included awareness outreach on TV, radio and social media.

Kelela Tonga, Acting CEO for Infrastructure, said the campaign addressed incidents at sea that could have been prevented if there was greater preparedness.

She said the costs of search and rescue are high and operations can cost Government thousands of pa’anga. "Regardless of the costs, we will do what we can to save lives," she said.

She thanked New Zealand, Australia, Japan and development partners, who shoulder costs and come to their assistance.

“Often the incidents at sea could have been avoided through preparedness and complying with maritime safety regulations. Experience alone, cannot supersede the forces of nature, ... as the campaign slogan urges be ready and be safe.”

Maritime stakeholders from the Tonga Police Search and Rescue, Tonga Navy, Tonga Maritime Polytechnic Institute, shipping agents and companies, showcased to students and visitors their work at the event.