The National Maritime Day is observed to commemorate the maiden journey of India's first vessel SS Loyalty owned by M/s Scindia Steam Navigation Company from Mumbai to London on 5th April 1919. The National Maritime Day was first celebrated on 5th April, 1964.

Due to the vast expanse of the seas, Indians had been active seafarers since the time of Indus Valley civilisation. They had displayed keen interest in maritime activities. Even the shipbuilding industry in India has progressed rapidly since the times when ships had a wooden hull.

Indians first witnessed international sea-borne commerce with the advent of Europeans. It has expanded ever since and most of its shores were thrown open for trade and commerce. Indian shipping began to progress at a rapid pace after independence. The Indian Navy that protects our country's shores has also grown in strength and power.

Countries do not have jurisdiction over the seas and so it becomes imperative for nations to reach agreements regarding ways of dealing with ships, crews and cargoes when disputes arise. The International Maritime Organisation is the United Nation’s specialised agency responsible for improving maritime safety and preventing pollution from ships. It is based in London and conducts international conferences from time to time.  It has 158 countries as its members including India which joined it in 1959.

India has thousands of kilometers of coastline that are serviced by hundreds of ports. The ports are governed by the Indian Ports Act (IPA), 1908 and some come under the administrative framework of Major Port Trusts Act (MPTA),1963 

Presently, 90 per cent of India’s international trade in terms of volume and 77 per cent in terms of value is done through the sea. It is a matter of pride for Indians that it has the largest merchant shipping fleet among developing nations. Therefore, observing Maritime Day is of great significance and it is celebrated with enthusiasm in various ports of the country.

On this day, the country acknowledges the importance of sea routes for the all round development of the nation. It also resolves to protect, preserve and defend its maritime zone and right to navigate in the high seas and international zones.