Afifipour stated at the World Maritime Day ceremony: "Policies, regulations, instructions, rules, and standards can lead to the desired goals only when they move beyond the drafting and notification stage, reach the program stage and then precise implementation, and their implementation is continuously subject to monitoring, review, and correction."

IMO Audit; an Important Test of the Country's Implementation of Maritime Requirements

Referring to the country's maritime sector and maritime transport being subject to the International Maritime Organization audit in the year 1406 (2027), he added: "Part of this audit pertains to the manner of implementing the documentary capacities created in the country and the degree of operationalization of rules and regulations, and from this perspective, the precise implementation of maritime requirements holds special importance."

Referring to the measures taken to prepare the country for this process, the Deputy for Maritime Affairs of the Ports and Maritime Organization said: "Through the follow-ups conducted, we are on the verge of establishing the 'National Maritime Audit Working Group and the Country's Maritime Authority,' and the government is also seriously supporting this matter."

Afifipour added: "All institutions that have duties and responsibilities in the country's maritime sector must be engaged in this process so that, through cooperation and synergy, we can pass the International Maritime Organization audit with honor."

Port Activities Never Stopped Even for a Moment

He then referred to the country's special conditions and the pressures exerted on the maritime sector and maritime transport, stating: "Due to its important role and impact on the country's development and sustainability, this sector has always been among the strategic sectors, and for this reason, in recent conditions, it has faced the greatest volume of aggression and pressure."

The Deputy for Maritime Affairs of the Ports and Maritime Organization clarified: "Despite these conditions, the activities of the country's ports, the movement of goods, the entry and exit of ships, and the transportation of various types of cargo have not stopped even for a moment."

Afifipour continued: "Although in some cases we have faced considerations, the activities of the ports and the flow of the country's maritime transport have never been suspended and will certainly not be suspended, and this continuity of activity is the result of the effort, steadfastness, and responsibility of the activists in this fiel."

Strengthening Responsiveness to the Demands of Maritime Activists

He considered one of the important issues in the maritime sector to be the strengthening of responsiveness to the legitimate demands of activists in this field, saying: "We must apply all our strength to respond more effectively to the demands of those who play a role in maritime processes and maritime transport, and in the Ports and Maritime Organization, all capacities have been employed to achieve this goal."

Smartening and Foresight; Requirements of Modern Maritime Governance

The Deputy for Maritime Affairs of the Ports and Maritime Organization also emphasized the necessity of the maritime sector keeping pace with new developments, saying: "Smartening, mechanizing processes, and analyzing how to develop maritime activities in accordance with future conditions are among the important issues that must be considered in the field of foresight."

Afifipour noted: "The development of the country's maritime governance requires planning in accordance with upcoming developments and the utilization of technology and knowledge capacities to enhance the performance of this field."

In conclusion, congratulating World Maritime Day, he expressed appreciation for the effort and responsibility of seafarers, maritime personnel, and all activists in the field of maritime transport, and described their role in the continuity of the country's maritime activities as "irreplaceable and undeniable."